R. Marilyn Rothschild

Rachel Marilyn Rothschild (née Jelliffe), a beloved member of Racine's community and a guiding presence for a century, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2024, at the age of 100. Marilyn was born on December 1, 1923, in Racine, Wisconsin, to Rachel and Taylor Jelliffe. Her family roots in Racine County date back to 1854, when her great-grandparents, James and Sarah Evans, first settled in the area, establishing a lasting family legacy.

Marilyn graduated from Washington Park High School in 1941 and went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Art History and French from Milwaukee Downer College in 1945. She began her career at First National Bank & Trust Company in Racine before marrying Jack F. Rothschild on December 2, 1961. Together, they shared a life of love and partnership until his passing in 1985.

Marilyn is survived by her niece, Barbara West of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and her daughter, Arwen (Richard) Guay of Albuquerque, New Mexico, along with their children, Cayman and Jayme; her nephew, Taylor Anderson (Diana Kraus) of Dover, Delaware, and their children, Rohan Kraus-Anderson of Springfield, Virginia, and his daughter Penelope; Carly (Jessie) Ensley of Corydon, Indiana, and their children Justin and Kendall; and Georgia (Tony) Miguel of Long Valley, New Jersey, and their children, Kayla and Nora. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Jane Jelliffe Anderson. She is also remembered by many dear friends and relatives.

A dedicated and compassionate member of her community, Marilyn held emeritus status in the Junior League of Racine and was an active member of Plymouth Congregational Church from 1938 onward, serving on both the Board of Trustees and the Endowment Board. Her service extended to organizations such as the Woman’s Club of Racine, Friends of the Library, PEO, Chapter AZ, the Racine Art Museum, Preservation Racine, and the Racine Heritage Museum. In 2006, her community service was honored with the Humanitarian Award from Wheaton-Franciscan Healthcare’s All Saints Foundation.

Marilyn had a zest for life, finding joy in traveling across the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean. Her annual trips to Scottsdale, Arizona, with her husband, Jack, nurtured her love for the desert. She was an avid collector of paperweights and White House Association Christmas ornaments, a devoted reader, bridge player, golfer and in her earlier years, an enthusiastic bowler. Marilyn’s spirit, grace, and community dedication will be deeply missed. Her life was a century-long testament to resilience, kindness and the profound power of family bonds. She leaves behind a legacy of love and memories that will be treasured by her family and friends, who carry forward her spirit and values. May her memory be a blessing, and may her spirit inspire us to live with the same love, resilience and grace that defined her life. For almost 101 years Marilyn lived life on her own terms.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home Saturday, December 14, 2024, 11 am with Reverend Ron Segedy officiating. Private interment will follow at Mound Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet prior to the service 10- 11 am.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Healthcare Network in Racine, Ascension Wisconsin Foundation, or The DeKoven Foundation for Church Work.

The family also wishes to extend a special thank you to Marilyn's caregivers at Ascension All Saints Hospital and Compasses Hospice as well as Marilyn’s longtime home aid, Ruth Behr, who was omnipresent in the hospital all the way to the end, for their loving and compassionate care.