Marilyn A. Halliday

Marilyn A. Halliday

A Life Well Celebrated

Marilyn A. Halliday, a woman of remarkable intellect, passion, and spirit, passed away on May 10, 2026, in Buffalo Grove, Illinois at the age of 76. She was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, colleague, and friend whose life was a testament to the power of education, advocacy, and joyful living.

Born and raised in Beverly, on the Southside of Chicago, Marilyn’s journey began at Christ the King Grade School, where she graduated in 1963 and continued at the Academy of Our Lady (Longwood) where she graduated in 1967. Her love of learning took her to St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana, then to St. Xavier University in Chicago, and ultimately to the University of Chicago, where she earned a Ph.D. in Education — a crowning achievement that reflected her lifelong devotion to a life of learning.

Marilyn built a distinguished career in education that touched countless lives. She served as Assistant Superintendent in Schaumburg and taught at National Lewis University. Ever the innovator, she channeled her expertise in curriculum and staff development into her own independent consulting firm, Integrity Unlimited, Inc., through which she continued to shape educators and institutions alike.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Marilyn was a woman who embraced life fully. She loved to travel, was deeply moved by art, and could often be found running — a fitting metaphor for a woman who never stood still. She had a well-known affection for her always-current-model Cadillac, proudly bearing the Illinois vanity plate MS PHD — a touch of wit that said everything about her. Her favorite color was purple, which graced the walls of her townhouse and added a signature flair to her world. A fierce and proud advocate for women’s rights, she threw herself into the political campaigns of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, putting action behind her convictions.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Raymond G. Halliday and Muriel R. Halliday (née McNalis), and her dear sister Nancy J. DiNaso (née Halliday), who passed away in 2015. She is survived by her siblings: Joy M. Runez (née Halliday) of Woodinville, WA; Raymond G. Halliday, Jr. of Skokie, IL; Sharon M. Halliday of Scottsdale, AZ; David A. Halliday of Sebastopol, CA; James R. Halliday of Brooklyn, NY; and Edward J. Halliday of Petaluma, CA.

She is also survived by twelve beloved nephews and nieces: James DiNaso of Charleston, IL; David DiNaso of Downers Grove, IL; Steven DiNaso of Charleston, IL; Lisa Halliday of Chicago, IL; Urik Halliday of Chicago, IL; Christopher DiNaso of Georgetown, TX; Paul Runez of Mesa, AZ; Peter Runez of Keene, NH; Patrick Runez of Woodinville, WA; Sean Dunstan Halliday of Brookline, MA; Arianne Dunstan Halliday of Pasadena, CA; and Michael Lee of Sneads Ferry, NC.

Marilyn will be deeply missed by her extended family, cherished friends, and the many colleagues whose lives she enriched.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Thursday, June 25th from 1-4pm at Lucky Monk located at 105 Hollywood Blvd. Barrington, IL 60010.