Mary Forsland Harner

Mary Harner, 94, passed away peacefully July 20, 2025. Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband of 61 years, Bob. Mary is survived by her daughter Nancy, son Tom (Alison), grandson Mike (Vir), granddaughter Kirstin (Billy), and great grandsons Jameson, Damon, and Benjamin. Mary was a resident of the Brookdale in Rotonda West, FL where she received excellent care and comfort.

Mary was born in Chicago, IL. She graduated from Taft High School and attended Northwestern University where she graduated with a BS in Education. During her years at Northwestern Mary was an active member of Alpha Xi Delta Sorority. Mary remained an avid Northwestern Wildcats fan her entire life.

Mary taught second grade after graduating from Northwestern.

Mary was married in 1955 to Bob, also a Northwestern graduate. They lived in Park Ridge, IL for 40 years and raised both Nancy and Tom there. Upon retirement Mary and Bob spent winters in Sarasota, FL and summers in Lake Geneva, WI.

Mary and Bob traveled extensively during retirement. A cruise in Alaska, a trip to Scandinavia, a tour in Australia and New Zealand, and a family trip to Montana and Wyoming were among her favorites.

Mary enjoyed volunteer work throughout her life, most notably for SPARCC and the Make-a-Wish Foundation in Sarasota, FL. Mary also enjoyed golf, needlepoint, and was quite a talented piano player.

Mary was truly a devoted wife, mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother. She will be greatly missed by all.

Private celebration of life for immediate family to be scheduled at a later date.