Marjory E. "Margie" DeSandre

Marjory Eleanor “Margie” DeSandre was born on March 31,1944 in Joliet, IL as one of eight children. She spent time there with her family before moving to Dixon, IL as a young child and then moving between Joliet and Freeport, IL spending many years in Freeport before settling in the DeKalb area in 2010.

Margie enjoyed spending time with her family and the people closest to her. She was quick to remember important dates/happenings in others’ lives and always inquired after their loved ones, parents, and children. She was kind and often showed her affection by sending cards for all occasions and offering gifts. She loved children and animals, both bringing a sparkle to her eyes, and she cared for a few cats during her lifetime.

Margie loved holidays and although Thanksgiving and Christmas were important to her, it was her birthday and April Fool’s Day that were her true favorites as she loved presents almost as much as she loved playing gentle tricks and pranks on others. She had a quick and witty sense of humor that she used both well and often.

Margie liked playing Bingo and she was an avid card player, frequently challenging others to games of Uno and War. She eagerly called out perceived cheaters and celebrated excitedly during her many wins. One of her favorite ways to spend her free time was watching police shows including Law and Order and Cops, and on many occasions, she could be overheard singing its Bad Boys theme song. Margie enjoyed shopping and going out to eat with ice cream, KFC, and pizza as some of her favorites. She also enjoyed having her nails done and having her hair dyed in any variation of red that caught her eye that day.

Margie is survived by her siblings Arnold (the late Layne) DeSandre, Kathyrn Wright, Ruth (Ron) Meyer, and Sally DeSandre. She is preceded in death by her parents Otto and Dorothy (Mitchell) DeSandre, brothers Aldo DeSandre, Henry DeSandre, and Frank DeSandre. She is the cherished aunt to Michele and Scot Keith and their children Emily (Carter) Crail and Mars Keith. She is also survived by her beloved sister-in-law, Peggy DeSandre, Iris DeSandre, and many nieces and nephews.

Margie fiercely valued and defended her independence and wanted nothing more than to be treated with dignity and respect.

A special mention to the dedicated staff at Opportunity House, Inc. who have cared for Margie as part of their family and who have greatly impacted and enriched her life over the past sixteen years. Your love and support will always be remembered and there are no words to properly thank you.

At the end of the day people won't remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel. --Maya Angelou

In lieu of flowers the family would greatly appreciate donations be made in Margie DeSandre’s name to Opportunity House, Inc. www.ohinc.org in her memory.

Relatives and friends are welcome to join the family for a celebration of Margie’s life which will take place on Friday, August 28, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in the Woodlawn Memorial Park I Mausoleum Chapel – 23060 West Jefferson Street (directly across the street from the Joliet Regional Airport)– Joliet, IL 60431. Margie will be laid to rest following the service.

Relatives and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book by logging onto: www.PleseFuneralservices.com.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the genuine care and direction of Kenneth A. Plese, in Joliet, IL 815-735-2125.