A chaplain colleague described Marj as having a profound presence, rich with compassion, saying she “brought a sense of peace and comfort to not only our patients and families but also to our hospice team.” Marj, 75, died April 17 after living several years with Alzheimer’s disease.
Born in the Roseland neighborhood of Chicago, Ill., Marj grew up in South Holland, Ill., and after marrying in 1968, she and her husband, Jim, settled in Munster, Ind. After 30 years of raising a family and being deeply involved in Coffee Break, a women’s Bible study ministry, Marj finished her undergrad degree and completed Clinical Pastoral Education and a chaplaincy residency. From 1999 to 2015 she shared God’s love as a certified chaplain four days a week at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak lawn, Ill. Most meaningful to her were times in the neonatal intensive care unit with parents and their babies. During these years Marj obtained a Master of Divinity degree at Chicago Theological Seminary while working part time as a chaplain for the Hospice of the Calumet Region. She became ordained in the Christian Reformed Church in 2004. Marj also served as a pastoral counselor at the Chicago Christian Counseling Center and preached at various churches. She retired in 2021.
Marj enjoyed gardening and was an avid quilter. “Whenever we would travel,” said her husband, “Marj would make sure she had a quilt ready to work on in the car.” One of her quilts was featured in Better Homes &Gardens magazine. She enjoyed researching the history of each branch of the family tree and created a photo album with facts and photos. Jim &Marj enjoyed traveling through Michigan to see God’s beauty in nature.
Predeceased by daughter Jill in 2018, Marj is survived by Jim, her loving husband of 56 years; four children; and nine grandchildren.
About the Author
A former nurse and chaplain, Janet Greidanus is a freelance news correspondent and long-time writer of the In Memoriam column for The Banner.