BETHALTO — Marjorie R. Hancock, 77, formerly of Rochelle, IL, passed away peacefully Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at Cedarhurst of Bethalto (IL). Marjorie was born May 28, 1947, in Berwyn, Illinois, the daughter of Herman and Mary (Horak) Gabriel. She married William O. Hancock on June 5, 1970, in Sycamore. Bill preceded her in death on March 27, 1997.

Marjorie is fondly remembered as a lifelong learner and longtime educator with a distinguished career in K-12 and higher education. She took her 3rd-grade teacher Mrs. Dunne’s memorable read-aloud of The Boxcar Children as a rich invitation to be a lifetime reader and a passionate teacher, and she vowed someday to read literature with the same energy and fervor in her own classroom. In her own words, “My lifelong journey as an elementary teacher, university professor, and college textbook author provided me the privilege to take that journey and keep that promise while creating love of children’s literature to children, parents, and teachers along the way.” Books and children were among Marjorie’s passions, and she spent her life introducing countless young readers to the joys of literacy. 

After ten years as an elementary teacher, most of them in sixth grade at May Elementary in Rochelle (1980-1988), Marjorie earned her doctorate of education in curriculum and instruction at Northern Illinois University. She then served as a mentor and inspiration for elementary education majors and graduate students in education at Kansas State University (Manhattan, KS), where she taught from 1997-2009, earned tenure as a professor of elementary education/language arts, and served in various leadership roles, including director of graduate studies in the College of Education. Marjorie’s dedicated instruction and scholarship in whole language and reader response culminated in her publication of two language arts textbooks. Her students went on to become K-8 teachers, college professors, and children’s book authors, and her three children have enjoyed long and fulfilling careers as high school teachers. 

After retiring in May 2009, Marjorie moved to Estes Park, CO, on the doorstep of Rocky Mountain National Park, where she loved her free time, incredible views, visits from family and friends, and the privilege of living in a special place. She spent much of her retirement exploring the world through her travels, which took her to all the populated continents and most of Europe, including one of her favorite destinations of Salzberg, Austria, which she enjoyed in the summer and at Christmastime. Her charisma and curiosity helped her to make friends around the globe. 

Marjorie is survived by her daughter, Amy Hancock of Alton, IL; sons: Michael Hancock of Rochelle and Patrick (Windy) Hancock of Junction City, KS; and grandson, Nathaniel Hancock of Killeen, TX.

In addition to her parents, Marjorie was preceded in death by her sister, Marilyn (Janka) of LaSalle.

Marjorie’s family would like to express their extreme gratitude to the following caregivers for their professional and loving support these past few years: Empower Me Wellness for maintaining Marjorie’s quality of life for as long as possible; the nursing staff at Cedarhurst of Bethalto for always having Marjorie’s needs on their radars; and the care staff at Cedarhurst for treating “Nana” like a member of their own families. Special thanks go to Dalisa Haynes for her unconditional love and care of Marjorie. You are forever a member of the Hancock family.

Visitation will be held at Unger-Horner Funeral Home 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle from 9:00-11:00 AM on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. Private graveside services will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in rural Creston.

In lieu of flowers, and in memory of Marjorie, read a book with a child today. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.