News from the Chicago Chapter

IREM Chicago Newsletters and Images Offer Insight Into The Personality and Dedication of the Late Marlene Dau, CPM®

In late June, IREM Chicago learned of the passing of Marlene Dau, CPM®, past Chapter president, founder of Tailor Made Property Services, Inc., AMO®, and a truly outstanding commercial property management leader whose work and commitment could be felt throughout metropolitan Chicago and beyond.

During 2007, the year Marlene served as Chapter president, her thoughts were featured in the quarterly Chapter newsletter. The Fall 2006 issue includes Marlene’s welcome message, where she notes being “Humbled, because I follow a long list of experienced and enthusiastic and just plain great past presidents who have served and continue to serve this chapter.” She added, “Laughter is something I strongly feel is necessary for all of us.”

Other issues from that period reveal more about Marlene.  Here are some examples:

• Winter 2007: On plans underway for upcoming Chapter events, “The good news is that this Board is full of passion, no one is fighting, we all love to dance and we are moving quickly into a great slate of events for 2007.”
• Spring 2007: On the subject of IREM education, “Take the guess work out of it; the Institute of Real Estate Management is on the top of the list as a leader in providing quality, leading edge and industry sensitive training.”
• Summer 2007: At the halfway point of the year, “This year is flying by and I bet I am not the only one that feels on this journey called ‘life’ the earth is spinning a little faster these days?”
• Fall 2007: Regarding the value of volunteer leadership, “One of the best parts of being involved in this organization (and there are many) are all the people ready to work and help you with any number of issues.”

Patricia Trombello, CPM®, IREM Chicago President in 1996, offered these thoughts on Marlene: “Marlene Dau will be missed.  I think many people will agree that Marlene was a kind person who welcomed everyone and made them feel relaxed.  Students that I have had in courses who had crossed paths with Marlene only had wonderful things to say about her being a positive, uplifting person to all.  She was adventuresome and lived life to the fullest -- a lesson for all of us.  She set the bar high as an example of traits we should all work toward. I attended IREM conventions with Marlene, and she and always made you laugh.  My condolences to her family and her work family, too.” 

Laughter, dancing, commitment to education and the profession, the value in volunteer leadership.  These embodied Marlene. Below are images of Marlene in her role as Chapter President and leader, dancing at the Premier Awards and graciously interacting with friends and colleagues.

A memorial service will be held for Marlene on July 11 at her home in Battle Creek, Michigan. Please visit this link to learn more.