Marilyn Jean Lechman

It is with great sadness, and yet joy, we share that Marilyn J. (Williams) Lechman passed away on November 16, 2024, into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was born in Toledo, Ohio on March 18, 1938, to John and Letha Williams. Marilyn was a 1956 graduate of Sylvania Burnham High School. After high school, she was married to John A. Jacobs from 1957 until 1972 and together they had a daughter Lisa and a son Douglas. Marilyn used her skills as a secretary/administrative assistant at General Mills in Toledo for 27 years. In 1985, she met John Lechman during a Koinonia weekend. Their friendship and love grew leading them to marriage in 1986.

Marilyn had a love for music and enjoyed attending the Toledo Symphany with her son, Doug and other family members. She along with her sisters and friends created the “Smile Awhile Quartet”.  She loved singing and playing her accordion as they travelled to different nursing homes and other settings for 15 years. She also enjoyed relaxing with John in the summers on Silver Lake near the sand dunes in Michigan.

After her retirement in 1997, Marilyn, a woman of deep faith, began teaching bible studies for her “Friday Friends” at McCord Road Christian Church. She continued teaching Friday Friends for over 20 years with her husband John co-leading in the last 3 years. They mutually enjoyed hours of researching, studying scripture, developing lesson plans and teaching together. In later years, the Lord prompted Marilyn to share her faith boldly. She radiated the love of Jesus and wanted to make sure every person who crossed her path “had their reservations made” for heaven. She was fearless in sharing her faith with healthcare workers, grocery store workers, fellow diners in restaurants and anyone she encountered.

Marilyn was a devoted Christian, wife, mother, and grandmother who leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion that will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her. We will miss Marilyn’s biblical encouragement, positive attitude, and quick wit.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her infant daughter, Lisa Marie; daughter, Ann Lechman; sisters, Virginia (Don) Koester and Vila (Karl) Suchy. Those left to cherish her memory include her devoted husband, John Lechman; her children, Douglas Jacobs, Marypat (Jim) Page and John David Lechman; grandchildren, Jaime (Nick) Koepke and T. J. (Jessica) Smith; great grandchildren, Lexi, Nolan, Trevor, and Delaney; her sister, Sandi (Lee) Lemmon; nieces, Jill Marie, Carol, Kim, Kris; nephews, Michael, Donny, JW; and several Texas cousins. 

The service for Marilyn will be held on December 6, 2024, at Reeb Funeral Home, 5712 Main Street, Sylvania, Ohio 43560. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am with the memorial service following at 10:00 am.  

Our special thanks go out to Kingston Care Center-Sylvania and Hospice of Northwest Ohio for the excellent care Marilyn received.

Anyone wishing to donate in Marilyn’s memory please consider Hospice of Northwest Ohio, 30000 E. River Road, Perrysburg, OH 43551 or Cal Farley’s Boys’ Ranch, 600 SW 11th Ave., Amarillo, TX 79101. 

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