Marlyn Burkart, the founder of Marlyn’s Majorettes died this week. She spent decades teaching young people baton twirling and color guard.
In 2009, she served as Grand Marshal of Sycamore’s annual Pumpkin Fest. At that time, the Pumpkin Fest committee lauded Burkart for her years of service to the community, noting her group’s participation at regional sporting events such as the Bulls, White Sox, and Cubs games, and marching in Chicago’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Burkart also held local competitions for youth.
Sycamore Mayor Ken Mundy remembers Burkart fondly. He says her legacy lives on in the students she worked with.
“It was a family event. If your youngster was involved with Marlyn and the Majorettes and the Drum Corps, there were practices and transportation. It was a family commitment of support. That in and of itself is a tribute to Marlyn because she drew that out of these young people.”
Mundy says many of Burkart’s former students still live in and around Sycamore and he says she prepared them for life as adults.
"She brought to these young people a real caring, almost motherly or grand-motherly persona."
Mundy says Burkart took a hands-on approach and was with the kids for each step. He says when she couldn't continue due to health reasons, the group disbanded.
"We have to celebrate her life because it was a great life. It was all about serving her young people and the community."
Funeral arrangementsare pending.
