Anne Marie Brinley, age 58, a resident of Wheaton, IL, went to be with the Lord suddenly on November 14, 2014. She was born on March 23, 1956 in Berwyn, IL to Jan and Anna Sopoci.

Anne Marie grew up in Brookfield, IL before moving with her family to East Orange, NJ during high school. Her parents were leaders at Sokol USA, a Slovak fraternal benefit society. She grew up rooted in the organization, attending gymnastics camps and forming lifelong friendships. At high school youth group, she renewed her faith commitment and met her husband Paul. Anne Marie graduated from Clifford J. Scott High School and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Special Education from Kean College in Union, NJ. On August 5th, 1978, Anne Marie and Paul were married. Anne Marie taught special needs pre-school for five years before becoming a full-time mom to daughters Kristen and Beth. In 1987, the family moved to Wheaton, IL where they welcomed daughters Janelle and Emily and made their home for 27 years.

Anne Marie's family and her Christian faith were the center of her life. She loved gathering the extended family and cared lovingly for her elderly parents and parents-in-law. Her love and generosity also extended to her community and church family, to whom she gave generously in many ways. She was an active member of the Wheaton Evangelical Free Church and longtime volunteer in its Children's Ministries. She taught Sunday School for over 20 years and served as an AWANA leader and Disability Taskforce member. She also resumed her professional career at WEFC in 2000 at Sunshine Pre-School, teaching there for nine years before bringing her energy and passion into her role as Director which she held until her passing. At Sokol USA, she served as Lodge President and a leader throughout her adult life. During breaks from her busy volunteer schedule, she enjoyed the outdoors, reading, and dancing and listening to music. She and Paul welcomed their first grandchild in October 2013, and Anne Marie was thrilled to finally be Grandma Brinley.

She is survived by her husband, Paul Brinley, four daughters, Kristen (Duncan) Cooper of Wakefield, MA, Elizabeth Brinley of Wheaton, Janelle (Gregory) Deddo of Chicago, and Emily Brinley of Wheaton, and one granddaughter, Zoey Brinley Bee. She is also survived by her brother, Jan Sopoci, her sister, Elena (Douglas) Sopoci-Belknap and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her dear niece, Samantha Puhr, and by her parents.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 21, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main Street in Wheaton, IL. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 22, at 10:30 a.m. at Wheaton Evangelical Free Church, 520 E. Roosevelt Road. Friends may visit with the family before the service from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Wheaton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to Wheaton Evangelical Free Church to support Children's Ministries.