Marilyn Joan VanHesteren, 77, passed away peacefully at VITAS Inpatient Hospice on February 17, 2020. Born in Detroit, Michigan, on April 6, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Irmgard E. and Robert W. Halder. The family moved to Ardmore, Pennsylvania where she spent her early years. In 1949 they relocated to West Lawn, Pennsylvania and became members of West Lawn Evangelical United Brethren Church. Marilyn is a 1960 graduate of Wilson High School where she played flute in the band.

After high school, Marilyn attended Kutztown University and graduated from Reading Business Institute. She had a long career working as private secretary for firms in Reading, Boston, and Houston. As a young adult she made friends easily, liked to dance, enjoyed socializing with friends and family, and looked forward to ski trips with the Flying Dutchman.

In 1979 Marilyn visited Houston, loved the area, and decided to make Houston her home. She made many dear friends and met the love of her life, Jack VanHesteren, who she married on December 5, 1982. They joined First United Methodist Church in Houston and became involved in the life and ministries of the West Campus. Marilyn enjoyed get-togethers with friends and family and participated in senior bowling leagues when her health permitted.

She leaves behind her husband Jack; sister Carol Hamm; niece Deborah Nikolis and husband Jonathan; nephew John Hamm and wife Renee; nephew Bob Hamm and wife Sheryl; 2 great-nephews, Peter Hamm and Matthew Hamm; and 4 great-nieces, Ashley Nikolis, Courtney Hamm, Lauren Nikolis, and Kristen Hamm; and cousins Doris Latham, Lucille Stoffregen, and Stuart Scheer.

Visitation will be Saturday, February 29, at 1 p.m. at Westchase Campus of First United Methodist Church Houston, 3663 Westcenter Dr., Houston, TX 77042, followed at 2 p.m. by a memorial service in Hinson Chapel to celebrate Marilyn's life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Westchase Campus and mailed to First United Methodist Church Houston, Attention: Finance Office, 1320 Main Houston, Texas 77002.