I first met Marlenka at her beloved daughter Pamela’s third birthday party. From 2001 onward, we shared a close and special bond. Over the years, we created countless beautiful memories that will remain in my heart forever. Together we celebrated Pamela’s birthdays, my son’s birthdays, our own birthdays, and those of our husbands. We spent many hours talking, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company around tables filled with delicious food. Marlenka loved cooking and always put her heart into preparing meals for the people she loved. She adored animals, and her beloved dogs, Maxio and Ollie, held a very special place in her heart. She was a warm, caring, and kind person who touched the lives of everyone around her. I was also blessed to spend wonderful vacations with her in Mexico. I will always cherish the memories of our travels, family gatherings, and the long conversations that could last for hours. Today, my heart is filled with sorrow over such a sudden and unexpected loss. It is difficult to accept that I will no longer hear her voice or see her beautiful smile. Yet I believe that Marlenka is now among the Angels. She will forever remain present in our conversations, our memories, and our hearts. May you rest in eternal peace. Amen.
Her story
Marlena Rzepka, age 48 of Streamwood, Illinois, passed away suddenly in her home on June 11, 2026.
She was born in Szczecin, Poland on April 22, 1978. She was the daughter of Barbara Dobrogowska and Antoni Dobrogowski.
She was a loving wife to her husband Dariusz; a loving mother to her daughter and only child Pamela; a loving daughter to her parents as well as sister to her siblings Ewa Kucka and Arkadiusz Dobrogowski. She was loved by her in-laws Halina and Jozef Rzepka. She was a wonderful friend and person to all who knew her.
Anyone who ever met her knew how amazing she was. Her bright smile, her infectious laugh and electric energy could light up any room she walked into. She was strong willed and free spirited. She was a firecracker with a heart of gold. She was nurturing, kind, giving, caring, and loyal to everyone she met. Her favorite things were the colors pink and blue, bumblebee printed things, shopping, cooking, traveling, her dogs, visiting her family and friends in Szczecin, and spending time with her family. She was also an amazing nanny and caregiver to all of the children she took care of over the years.
Marlena was with Dariusz for 30 years. She was the most amazing wife, best friend, life partner and support system in his life. He cared for her and loved her more than words could ever express. She was the light of his life and the glue that held the family together. They spent her last moments together even in her sudden passing. She will remain in his heart forever.
Marlena was Pamela’s best friend, partner in crime, shoulder to cry on, biggest supporter, shopping and travel buddy, and most importantly the best mother in the world to her. They shared experiences together from which the memories will last a lifetime that Pamela will have of her mom always, though the void of losing her mother so young will now be filled with only memories together.
We appreciate everyone’s love, support, and condolences during this difficult time.
