Marilyn L. (Sorensen) Jakovich

Marilyn ”Cooch” Jakovich

Passed away suddenly on Thursday January 14th, 2021 at the age of 78.

Marilyn was preceded in death by the love of her life: Jake Jakovich (2014), brother: Steve (2011).

Born on April 9th, 1942 in Joliet to Rita (Gunhouse) and Alvin Sorensen. She grew up and attended schools in Mokena and was a Lincolnway Central graduate.

Marilyn is survived by her three sons: John “Jake” Jakovich, Jason (Amanda) Jakovich and Joseph (Shannon) Jakovich, and the second loves of her life, her grandchildren: Brady, Jake, Alison, Maggie and Jack; sister-in-law: Mary Alyce Koren; sisters: Diane, Joan and Trish (Jason) Kiel; brothers: Larry (Yvette), Robert (Teena) and Allen. She was a special aunt to: Jenelle (Chris), Mandy (Wayne), Meredith (Aaron), A.J. (Taylor), Larry John (Kristy), Michael, Stephanie, Jake (Jesse), Caitlin, Tyler, Zachary and Nathaniel (Kristin),  as well as numerous cousins & close friends.
Marilyn had an extraordinary life growing up in a large family in Mokena with seven brothers and sisters which had many joys, challenges and some interesting adventures.  She married the love of her life Jake Jakovich, who gave her the nickname “Cooch”, on January 15th, 1966 and they raised 3 sons together in the Joliet/Plainfield area. Marilyn not only worked full time at the hospital, she worked full time as the most incredible mom in the world taking her sons to baseball ,basketball, football, practices for years AND went to night school to get her masters in nursing from University of St. Francis. Marilyn was an avid reader, amazing cook, and had the most beautiful 13’ Christmas tree every year that she finished off with tinsel, one strand at a time. Marilyn and Jake had a great social life and Marilyn hosted and entertained like no other and her parties and holidays were “events” people looked forward to, especially when she stepped in as Mrs. Claus to assist Santa on Christmas Eve!  She loved traveling, whether with her husband Jake to the Olympics in Australia and England or China/India with her sister Joan or family vacations to Hawaii, Disney or the Ozarks. She was a nursing director at Silver Cross Hospital for over 40 years running the labor and delivery and eventually retiring from scheduling so she could be FULL TIME GRANDMA to her five beautiful grandkids.

If there was an academy award for the movie “Doting Grandma”, Marilyn would be the winner and she would give modest thanks to her sons and daughters-in-law for giving her five grandkids but their job was done, move over, it’s grandma time!   From the time they were babies until now, Grandma made herself available any day, any time, and was always glad to be with her grandkids. Incredibly, on the Disney family trip in 2016, she went the distance EVERY DAY in EVERY PARK and never slowed down.  Marilyn was the most caring, lovable person who would give the shirt off her back to anyone in need and would do it with her incredible smile.  She loved watching the game show network but Wheel of Fortune was her show at 6:30.  Marilyn was a spiritual woman and Saturday or Sunday mass was important.  We’re sure that after being married to Big Jake for 49 years, raising 3 “active” boys and being the incredible, hard working woman she was, she’s deserving of a “Fast Pass” to heaven and being up in the front of the line when they hand out the “Saint” designations. Big Jake always said he was the luckiest man on earth to have Marilyn as his wife.  The grandchildren know they had the quintessential grandma and her daughters-in-law know she epitomized the term mother-in-law.  Her sons, we know we have been truly blessed to have been raised by great parents but we’ve been guided through life by the most remarkable and wonderful mom three boys could ever ask for and want to thank you mom for all you’ve done for us, we love you!

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 22, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 416 N. Chicago Street in Joliet. Interment will follow and Marilyn will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Masks and social distancing practices are required.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made as gifts in Marilyn’s memory to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 416 N. Chicago Street, Joliet, Illinois 60432.