Marilyn Newland Esterline
May 30, 1945 – May 22, 2025
Age 79 | Maryland Heights, Missouri

With endearing kindness and a deep reservoir of patience, Marilyn Newland Esterline peacefully passed away on May 22, 2025, just shy of her 80th birthday.

Marilyn’s story began amid extraordinary circumstances. Her parents, Vernon and Mona Newland, were Christian missionaries who served in Tibet and the Philippines before being captured during World War II. The family was interned for three years in the Japanese internment camp at Santo Tomas University in the Philippines. In early 1945, her mother—eight months pregnant with Marilyn—was rescued along with her husband and three young children, Marilyn’s brothers and sister. The family was placed on a transport ship bound for the United States, and after arriving in Los Angeles, Marilyn was born—a living symbol of resilience and new beginnings.

Born in Los Angeles and raised across various cities, Marilyn spent part of her childhood in Oklahoma, Lake of the Ozarks, the Dallas area, and Rolla before moving to St. Louis and later to Memphis, Tennessee, where she graduated from Oak Haven High School—a proud honor roll student and cheerleader. She was also a dutiful daughter, supporting her father and mother in their mission to establish Christian colleges and churches across the Midwest and Texas, helping lay the foundation for communities rooted in faith and education. She eventually returned to St. Louis, the city that would become her lifelong home.

Marilyn earned her B.A. from Bethel College, where she was named to the Dean’s List, and her M.Ed. in School Counseling with honors—plus 60 post-graduate hours—from the University of Missouri–St. Louis.

She devoted her professional life to children, first as an elementary school teacher then as an elementary school counselor in the Hazelwood School District, where she served at Brown Elementary for many years. After retiring from Hazelwood, she joined the faculty at Lindenwood University, sharing her wisdom, warmth, and experience with the next generation of counselors and teachers. She also supported teachers and administrators throughout her career with care, collaboration, and quiet strength.

A decorated educator, Marilyn was first honored as St. Louis Suburban Elementary School Counselor of the Year, then went on to win Missouri Elementary Counselor of the Year. Her notable work with the Drug Free Program led to an invitation to the White House to meet President George H.W. Bush—an honor that spoke to the impact she made on countless students, families, and colleagues throughout her life. Her deep compassion for kids, animals, and anyone in need was matched only by her fierce love of chocolate and eye-rolling sarcasm—delivered, of course, with affection.

Marilyn was raised in the Christian tradition and enjoyed participating in the Gateway Christian Church Christmas and Easter programs, and while her faith evolved over the years, she never lost the spiritual grounding that made her both open-hearted and open-minded. As an adult, she embraced a broader spiritual perspective—including an interest in reincarnation—and often found beauty and truth in many different traditions. She especially explored the teachings of Religious Science, which helped shape her inclusive and compassionate worldview. Whether discussing classical music or the latest show at The Muny or Fox Theatre, she listened with curiosity and responded with insight—and maybe a little sass. She loved NPR, KMOX Radio Talk, movies, museums, long conversations, and sunny afternoons spent sunbathing with a good book in hand. She also had a special fondness for animals and cherished the many beloved pets she had throughout her life. She didn’t like cooking, crafts, or puzzles—but she had a great love of travel, exploring places like China, Africa, Europe, Russia, the Caribbean, and much of the United States. She also loved politics and a good debate, always eager to engage in thoughtful discussion with intelligence and passion.

She is survived by her daughter Leigh Elise Grogan Kleinert (Billy), son Jon Grogan, grandson Harris Grogan, devoted friends Jim and Gwen Grogan, sister Marcia Haverly, widow of Jim, brothers Paul Newland (Jane), and Melvin Newland (Ethel), and sister-in-law Jean Newland. She was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon and Mona Newland, and her brother Neal Newland. She also leaves behind “the Cowgirls,” her cherished circle of girlfriends, a host of nieces, nephews, and kindred spirits whose lives she enriched.

Marilyn loved her children deeply, doted on her daughter’s dogs, and had an uncanny ability to turn strangers into friends within minutes. Her greatest gifts were her hugs, her presence, and the way she made you feel truly seen—whether you were family or just someone she passed on the sidewalk.

In the face of life’s challenges, Marilyn’s quiet refrain—“It will be what it will be”—captured the strength and acceptance with which she moved through the world. She believed in charity, education, grace, and finding joy wherever possible.

In her later years, during the first signs of memory loss, Marilyn—ever the lifelong educator—chose to participate in an Alzheimer’s research study through Washington University’s Memory and Aging Project. She remained involved for many years, offering her time, insights, and experiences in the hope of advancing understanding and treatment of the disease. In keeping with that same spirit of generosity, she arranged to donate her body for continued research following her passing. Her remains have been cremated.

A memorial service will be held in celebration of her life on June 17th at 4:00 p.m. in the Trillium Room, located in the main building at Friendship Village, 15201 Olive Blvd, Chesterfield, Missouri. All who knew her—or wish they had—are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or an animal rescue of your choice. Marilyn would also have appreciated a simple act of kindness in her honor—and perhaps a little chocolate, too.