Marilyn Jean Upah-Bant

Marilyn Upah-Bant of Urbana passed away after a long illness on
May 2, 2018.
She was born in August, 1953, in Rochelle, to parents Richard and Marge Upah.
Marilyn graduated from Rochelle Township High School and was the
valedictorian of her graduating class.
She attended NIU where she met her future husband Geoffrey Bant. They were
married in 1974 and moved to Urbana in 1975, where Marilyn finished her
degree in Journalism at ISU. Marilyn worked at The Courier until it closed
and then at The News-Gazette. Over the years, Marilyn had many jobs
including positions at the University of Illinois, Parkland College, the
C-U Schools Foundation and Countryside School.
Of the many jobs Marilyn held in the community, her career at University
High School where she started as a journalism teacher and became the
Director of Development and Alumni Relations was her favorite because she
was able to interact with bright, talented young people, dedicated
teachers and thousands of amazing alumni.
Marilyn was active in local government and served on the Urbana Plan
Commission and was a member of the Rotary and the Kiwanis.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Dick Upah.
She leaves behind her loving husband Geoff of 44 years and her two sons –
her greatest source of pride and joy: Jason, who graduated from the U of I
in chemical engineering, holds a PhD in Biophysics from Northwestern
University and currently working on a postdoctoral fellowship in
Neurobiology at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif., and Alexx, who
graduated from London School of Economics with a degree in Economics
History and is currently a V.P. of Advisory with Gartner in Washington,
D.C. Alexx and his partner Stetson Nunes are planning to marry in August
on Martha’s Vineyard and they were hoping Marilyn would be able to attend.
She is also survived by her two brothers: David of Chicago and Dennis
(Lisa) of Austin, Texas, and their children, Megan and Drew.
Marilyn also leaves behind hundreds of friends and former students who
will always remember her for her passion for writing, education, and
learning; and her loving, kind and generous spirit, and her uncanny
ability to find the perfect gift for every occasion.
At a later date, the family will announce information regarding a memorial
service to celebrate Marilyn’s life. At that time, the family will name a
fund for gifts in Marilyn’s memory.
Anyone wishing to share a favorite memory or story of Marilyn is
encouraged to e-mail them to her husband Geoff at gbant@uiuc.edu.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marilyn Jean Upah-Bant, please visit our floral store.