Axa Ivette Marquez

Axa Marquez

Axa Marquez, age 67, of Decatur, Illinois, passed away on November 11, 2026.

Axa's life began in Puerto Rico, where she spent part of her childhood living with her grandparents. Puerto Rico remained close to her heart throughout her life. She later moved to Illinois, where she got married and already had family in Aurora.

Being a mom and Nana was at the center of Axa's life. Ivette and Johanna describe the bond they shared with their mother as one like no other. She was always there to talk on the phone about work and the kids, and she'd come over to help cook or clean. She loved being with her daughters and finding ways to make their days a little easier.

Her grandchildren were her world, and Axa had a special relationship with each of them. She called Mya and Emma directly, traded pictures with them by text, and loved working on puzzles with them. Mya called Nana her best friend. Emma acted in theater productions, and Nana never missed a show. Axa picked up a love of board games from Michael, and playing together became a favorite part of George's visits.

Axa and her life partner, Michael Cox, shared more than five years together and were best friends. They loved going to concerts, sightseeing around Springfield, and taking day trips together.

Axa worked as a school secretary in District U-46. She had a passion for antiques, loved browsing antique shops and estate sales, and built quite a jewelry collection over the years.

Axa was the beloved life partner of Michael Cox, the loving mother of Ivette (Jeffrey) Zamecnik and Johanna (Louis) Bartolomeo, and the proud Nana of Mya (Jayden), Emma (Logan), and George. She was the cherished daughter of Delia Perez and the dear sister of Lisa Morales, Hilton Ramos, Edwin Ramos, Hector Ramos, and Norma Ramos.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 19, 2026, from 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Vandenberg Funeral Home, 17248 S. Harlem Avenue, Tinley Park, IL 60477. Funeral Mass will commence on Friday, November 20, 2026, at 10:00 AM at St. George Catholic Church, 6707 W. 175th Street, Tinley Park, IL 60477. Burial will follow at Good Shepherd Catholic Cemetery in Orland Park, IL.