Marleine Patrice Golden was born on November 8, 1953, to World War II veteran William J. "Bill" Slupik and Pennsylvania coal country native Jean Slupik (née Kowalski). Raised first in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood and later in Niles, Illinois, alongside her older brother Patrick, Marleine embodied the values instilled by her parents: a strong work ethic, quiet resolve, and deep faith.

Marleine's Roman Catholic foundation was formed at home and at St. John Brebeuf Parish and School, where she received all of her Sacraments except Baptism, which took place at St. Hedwig's. As a young girl, she learned to cook from her mother and was often responsible for starting dinner before her parents came home from work. That early responsibility shaped her into a wonderful cook, and for many years she shared delicious food with family and friends on holidays, at parties, and during simple weekend get-togethers.

Marleine made lifelong friends growing up in Niles; friends who remained close through the decades and stood by her side in her final months. They shared countless happy memories, and she cherished those friendships deeply.

A first-generation college student, Mom worked her way through Loyola University Chicago, moonlighting at Osco in the evenings. She studied business, and one day had a chance encounter with a young Tim Golden on Loyola's Water Tower campus. Their romance soon blossomed, and one of their first dances was to "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me" by Mel Carter. For years, they were known as a dancing couple at weddings and parties.

As a young couple, Marleine and Tim enjoyed nights out in Chicago dining at their favorite Chinatown spot, Pack Wong's, and spending time in Greektown with friends. They built strong friendships during those years, many of which Mom maintained through the final days of her life.

Marleine and Tim were married at St. John Brebeuf Parish and lived on Chicago's Far Northwest Side in the Dunning neighborhood, settling between Tim's South Side roots in McKinley Park and Mom's upbringing in Niles. They made their home in the "P Streets" and became part of a close-knit community of neighbors and friends.

Marleine was a mother to her firstborn son, Brian, and her younger son, Kevin. She was a devoted mother who, alongside Tim, worked tirelessly to provide a strong and loving home. Together, they made sacrifices to give their sons a Catholic education at St. John Brebeuf, Saint Francis Borgia, Holy Cross High School, Saint Patrick High School, and the College of the Holy Cross.

Mom was deeply committed to her community and to Catholic education. She volunteered countless hours, helping lead Market Days, supporting Boy Scouts, and running grammar school concession stands (legend has it, the best in the Northwest Catholic Conference). She served as a Eucharistic Minister and was a regular presence at parish events and fundraisers. Along the way, she formed friendships she treasured wholeheartedly.

She took great pride in watching her sons grow into men and loved her grandchildren deeply. After losing her husband, Tim, in 2009, she found strength in her family and continued forward with the same resolve she had learned from her parents. Once she retired, she downsized from the family home, and intentionally returned to her childhood neighborhood in Niles, where she found comfort in familiar surroundings and cherished memories.

In her later years, Marleine faced ongoing health challenges. Though at times discouraged, she always returned to her faith and her family as sources of strength, pushing through hardship. In her final weeks, she was surrounded by loved ones and uplifted by faith; a true testament to the life she lived and the people she touched.

Marleine often teared up at the final scene of It's a Wonderful Life, a favorite film, when George Bailey is reminded that no person is a failure who has friends. Based on the outpouring of love at the end of her life, she was a complete and total success.

Marleine is survived by her sons, Brian Golden and Kevin Golden (Amy); her grandsons Tim Golden and Austin Boyer; her brother, Patrick Slupik (Kathy); her nephew, Ryan Slupik, and many loving cousins, in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Timothy G. Golden; and her parents, William J. Slupik and Jean Slupik.

Visitation Friday April 17, 2026 from 4 PM until 8 PM at Skaja Terrace Funeral Home, 7812 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles, IL.
Funeral Saturday 9:15 AM going to St. John Brebeuf Church for mass at 10 AM. Interment Maryhill Cemetery.
Funeral info 847-966-7302

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Marleine to Saint Patrick High School Financial Aid