Marylou Leija Shutu, 54, of Round Lake Beach, Illinois, passed away on 09/16/2022. She was born to Noe and Maria Leija on 06/05/1968 in Fort Atkinson, WI. She was preceded in death by her nephew, Ramiro Guerrero II, her mother, Maria Leija, Maternal grandmother, Olivia Garza, Nephew Noe Stephen Leija, maternal grandfather Santana Garza, and her sister Becky Marie Leija.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Charles Mtawali Shutu, and her children, Demetrius. C.Brooks, and Olivia. R.Hernandez (Alejandro Ortega), her granddaughters Aaliyah R.Ortega, Alexandria. N. Ortega and her adorable fur babies, Milo & Foxy. She is survived by her siblings, Jeanine Leija-Jacquez, Noelia Leija, (Bao), Noe Leija Jr., her father, Noe Leija (Beri).

Marylou was full of life. She was loving, humorous, adventurous, and family oriented. Her favorite moments were with family, playing Loteria, enjoying holidays & birthdays, and random family gatherings.
Marylou was enthusiastic. She loved to dance, listen to music, and be the life of the party. Traveling was one of her favorite hobbies, whether it was taking her dream vacation to Africa or revisiting her southern roots. Like her mother, Maria, Weslaco symbolized feeling relieved, which reminded her of what home signified.

A Celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2022 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm with a 3:30 pm blessing at Northern Illinois Funeral Services, Inc 31632 N. Ellis Dr., Unit 209 Volo, IL 60073.