Emilia Marko, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, was born on July 24, 1928, in Chicago, Illinois. She embarked on her remarkable journey through life on this date, and on February 1, 2025, she peacefully passed away in Summerfield, Florida, at the age of 96.
Growing up in Czechoslovakia, she carried the values of family and community throughout her life. After moving to Chicago, she dedicated many years to working in the high school cafeteria, where her warm smile and nurturing spirit touched the lives of countless students and staff alike.
In her heart, Emilia held a deep sense of devotion to her family. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 58 years and her dear sister, Anna. Emilia leaves behind a legacy of love and strength, survived by her cherished daughters: Anna O’Malley of Orange, California; Milan Marko and Eileen Marko of Austin, Texas; and Kathy Allen of Austin, Texas. Her sons, John Marko of Lady Lake, Florida, and Brian Marko of Plant City, Florida, also carry her spirit forward. Emilia was blessed with nine grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart.
A devoted member of Bethany Lutheran Church, Emilia remained actively involved in her faith community as long as her health allowed. Her compassion for others was evident in everything she did. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Highpoint of Stone Crest Memory Care and Cornerstone Hospice for the care and compassion they provided Emilia during her final days.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in her honor to the dementia or Alzheimer’s associations, reflecting her enduring spirit and the challenges she faced in her later years.