Ms. Marlyss Jean Mickels' Obituary
Marlyss J Mickels, cherished mother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Wednesday evening January 11, 2023 at the age of 89.
Marlyss was born in 1933 in St. Paul Minnesota to Arthur and Bernice Marquardt where they soon moved to Chicago, very near Wrigley Field, where Marlyss was raised along with her sister Marlene. She was an avid figure skater in her youth and enjoyed outdoor activities. She graduated from Alvernia High School in Chicago. After High School she spent time volunteering at an orphanage, worked at a family friends’ bakery, and did many promotional events working for Pepsi Cola. She traveled extensively with girlfriends out west and to Cuba. She spoke often of her adventures.
At the age of 21, with the love of traveling in her heart, she interviewed for a stewardess (now flight attendant) position at American Airlines. The story goes that she was one of three women chosen out of a group of over one hundred candidates. Being chosen was a given, she had a great smile, calm demeaner, and could talk to anyone. Once a senior stewardess, she mostly traveled on preferred routes to Boston, New York and Mexico City among other places. Often referred to as the golden age of flying, Marlyss flew from 1955 – 1960. She excelled as a stewardess, being chosen by management for special inaugural flights and important events.
Marlyss met he future husband, Robert Mickels, at Navy Pier in Chicago. She eventually left her career at American Airlines and married in April of 1960. They settled in the Chicago suburbs of Palatine, Northbrook, and then Lincolnshire, where they raised their three children Grant, Christopher, and Leslie. An ever-present mother and homemaker, she was a great mom and the foundation of the family.
The family would ultimately move to Dallas Texas where the children were raised to adulthood and she would eventually choose a new career at Dillards with Estee Lauder Cosmetics, establishing a broad base of new friends and eventually retiring at the age of 77.
Marlyss is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Robert, to whom she had been married to for 60 years, and her son Christopher.
She is survived by her two children, Grant and Leslie, both of Dallas, her sister Marlene Conley, brother-in-law Joseph Conley and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will have a private service and there will be a “Celebration of Life” gathering with friends and friends scheduled for a later date.
What’s your fondest memory of Marlyss?
What’s a lesson you learned from Marlyss?
Share a story where Marlyss' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Marlyss you’ll never forget.
How did Marlyss make you smile?
