Marilyn Besancenez (nee Russell) baptized into the hope of Christ's resurrection, Sunday, August 31, 2025.

Beloved wife of the late Robert Louis Besancenez; dear mother and mother-in-law of Robert "Rusty" (Christie) Besancenez, Roger (Dana) Besancenez and Susan (Ed) O'Day; dear grandmother of Sophie, Mason, Cecilia and Chance Besancenez, Emily (Nick) Fosheim, Grace (Adam) Berthold, Jennifer (Sean) Wilson, Greg (Michelle) and Cassandra O'Day; dear great-grandmother of Eleanor, Ben, Elliott, Simon, Landon, Jaysa, Grace and Abby; dear sister of Don (Nancy) Russell and the late Thomas (Dorothy), Lorraine (Lester Pitchford), Stanley, Betty, Charles Gene (Betty), Phyllis (Don Mitchell) and Gerald (Louise) Russell; dear sister-in-law of Sister Suzanne, Doris (Lloyd Terbrock) and William (Fran) Besancenez, and the late Mildred (Bud Brenner) and Joseph (Anita) Besancenez.

Marilyn was born to Thomas and Carrie (Randall) Russell in Richview, IL. Marilyn attended nurses training at DePaul Hospital in St. Louis. She spent many years as a surgical scrub nurse. She fell in love and married Robert Louis Besancenez on October 6, 1956 at St. Monica Church in Creve Coeur. She and Bob worked hard and raised three children in Bridgeton, Missouri. They eventually retired and spent many happy years in Clearwater, FL. Marilyn was strong in her faith and enjoyed spending time with her extended family.

Mass at St. Monica Church, 12136 Olive Blvd., Creve Coeur, Tuesday September 9th at 10:00 a.m. Visitation one hour prior at the church. Marilyn donated her body to St. Louis University Medical School and will be remembered along side Bob in St. Monica Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to charity of your choice.

Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home
www.osfuneralhomes.com