Lake Forest Obituary: Marian Burlew, 90

Marian K. Burlew was born April 30, 1928 in Oak Park Illinois and died Sunday August 5th, 2018, at her home in Lake Bluff. She was the daughter of James D. and Filitsa Ktsanes. Her father came from the former Greek Island of Imvros and her mother from the Greek island of Lemnos. Marian had three siblings, a sister Alice Falls, two brothers, Basil Ktsanes and Philon Ktsanes (who preceded her in death).

At the age of 3, Marian spent two years in Greece with her mother and two siblings before returning to Oak Park where she spent her childhood and graduated from Oak Park River Forest High school. She had several jobs including dance instructor and dental assistant before meeting her husband Roy Burlew Jr. from Owensboro, Kentucky.

Marian and Roy married and settled in Louisville, Kentucky, where they had three children, Roy lll, Mary and James. The family moved to Lake Forest in 1968 where they had their fourth child, Nicholas. Marian was active in the Lake Forest community. The couple often hosted events at their restored David Adler home, including Camerata Singers, Chicago Symphony String Ensemble, and various Lake Forest Preservation Foundation tours.

Loved by those who knew her, Marian was a unique and beautiful woman with a kind soul. She was fiercly devoted to her husband and children and was always there for them. She had a wonderful sense of humor, loved music with a passion, and most of all found solace in nature. The squirrels, birds and trees were her best friends. Family, music and nature were at the core of her spirit.

Marian leaves behind her daughter Mary DeBiase, sons James and Nicholas, seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. Marian was preceded in death by her husband Roy Burlew Jr. and son Roy III.