OTTAWA – Marlene A. McConville, 65, of Ottawa and Mendota, passed away unexpectedly on June 17, 2025, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Sunday, June 22 at Holy Cross Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Monday, June 23 at Holy Cross Catholic Church with the Father Jeff Windy officiating. Cremation rites will follow, and burial will be private. Wasmer Funeral Home is privileged to assist the family.

Marlene was born Oct. 1, 1959, in Mendota, to Hubert and Mary Helen (Ely) Leffelman., She married the love of her life, John Michael McConville, on March 28, 1981, at St. Patrick’s Church in Maytown. She attended Amboy High School, graduating in 1977. Marlene continued her education at Sauk Valley Community College receiving her Licensed Practical Nurse Degree.

She will be forever missed by her loving husband, Mike of Ottawa; daughter, Katie (Laen) Neal of Cortland; son, Luke (Bailey) McConville of Morton; granddaughter, Ruby; sister, Marilyn (Bill) Morrison of Batavia; two brothers, Michael of LaMoille and Myron (Janet) Maytown; and mother-in-law, Florence McConville of Mendota.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hubert and Mary Helen (Ely) Leffleman; two brothers, David Leffelman and Marty Leffelman; sister-in-law, Rose McConville and father-in-law John McConville.

She worked in the nursing field for seven years before she continued her education in Respiratory Therapy. She was a CRTT for many years, then trained and became a Cardiopulmonary Therapist. Marlene retired after 44 years, seven weeks and four days, but who’s counting?

Marlene was very active in her church serving in the Altar and Rosary Society. She never missed a Cubs game and was an outstanding seamstress and baker. She did embroidery, counted cross stitch, crocheted, gardened and if you saw her at the right time, you always left with something preserved from her garden or baked goods. Cookie season was something you never wanted to miss.

In her children’s early days, she helped in their 4-H groups and was their No. 1 fan during all sporting, choir, and band events. Marlene was a whirlwind. She was always on the go and prepared for nearly anything. She was generous to a fault and helped anyone she could in her work and her personal life. Marlene did not suffer fools and would kindly put you in your place.

Pallbearers will be Jake Atherton, Angela Kalsto, Alex Leffelman, Chris Leffelman, Jonathon McConville and Jeff Morrison.

Memorials can be directed to Abigail Women’s Clinic, Lily Pads, or Mendota Area Senior Services (M.A.S.S.). Condolences may be left at wasmerfuneralhome.com.