Marianne J. Been

Marianne J. Been (nee Jast)

February 18, 1950 - May 21, 2025

Marianne J. Been, age 75, of New Lenox, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Despite her determination and strong will, Marianne succumbed to multiple myeloma cancer after a 2-year battle. She was surrounded by her loving husband and two children at the time of her passing. Marianne was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and cherished friend to many. She was a faithful member of St. Jude Catholic Church, and truly one of God’s angels on Earth who loved all things green and growing.

Born in Joliet, Illinois, to Frank Anthony and Mary Gertrude Jast (nee Wilhelmi), Marianne was the beloved wife of 53 years to Robert R. Been. She was a loving mother to Jacob A. Been (Mathew Babula) and Sarah E. (Vince) Rayola and was adored by her two grandsons Remy and Leo Rayola. She was a dear sister to Raymond J. (M.L.) Jast, Ginger M. (late Steve) Longshore, Karen F. Olson, John E. (Julie) Jast and Paul E. Jast. She will be deeply missed by her many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends.

Marianne was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Mary Jast, whom she unselfishly tended to alongside her siblings.

Marianne was a graduate of St. Jude School in New Lenox and Lincoln-Way High School Class of 1968. After high school she went on to work for the Joliet Arsenal and Amoco Chemical before dedicating over 50 years to her role as a mother and homemaker. She and her husband Bob built their home on the south side of New Lenox where they’ve lived since 1978. She loved decorating and keeping a clean and spotless home for her family. Throughout the 1980s, 90s and 00’s, they took their kids on family trips they will remember forever. That tradition of exploring the United States continued with their grandsons. If she wasn't tending to her beautiful summer gardens or spending time with friends, you could find her beside Bob. The couple enjoyed numerous hobbies including teaching country dance with the Coyote Moon Dancers and Kingsway Kickers, riding on their motorcycle traveling with friends to places near and far and working at home in the yard.

Marianne treasured time spent with her family, friends, and church community participating in choir, bible study, and serving as a Eucharistic Minister. She held a deep love for God, family, nature, plants and birds. She also adored her little doggie, Rocco, who surely greeted her in heaven. Marianne will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Marianne’s name to St. Jude Catholic Church New Lenox or your favorite local charity.

The family will receive friends at Kurtz Memorial Chapel 102 E. Francis Rd, New Lenox, IL on Friday, May 23, 2025, from 3 pm – 8 pm. Funeral Services Saturday, May 24, 2025, with prayers at the funeral home at 9:30 am, then to St. Jude Catholic Church, New Lenox, IL for Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am. Interment to follow at Maplewood Cemetery, New Lenox, IL