1932 – 2024
Mary L. Mack, 92, was born February 5, 1932, in Chicago, Illinois to William & Agnes Little. Mary passed away peacefully on May 4, 2024.
Mary was the beloved wife of Welsey (Wes) Mack, who preceded her in death. Mary was also the loving mother of Debra Lynn (Jae) and Steven (Susan), cherished grandmother of Jonathan, Christopher, Jennifer (Aaron), Bryce, Courtney, Kirsten, and Emily, and loving great grandmother of Logan, Adaline, Henry, Conner, Autumn, Mackenzie, Annabelle, Bentley, and River.
Mary was one of seven children, her siblings included Peggy, John, Aggie, Eddie, Kathy, and Al. Mary’s mother, father and older four siblings immigrated to the United States from Scotland, while she and her two younger siblings were born in the U.S. The family lived on the Southside of Chicago.
Mary was quite young when her father William passed away. Her mother Agnes later remarried John Knight, who had a major influence on Mary’s growing up. Mary had always been a good student in school and after completing high school, her stepfather John Knight, “persuaded” her to try one semester of college, then another, and another until she had graduated from Chicago Teachers College. Mary went on the teach at Salmon P. Chase Elementary School in Chicago, eventually becoming a Librarian, Asst. Principal and Principal. Mary continued working at Salmon P. Chase until she retired after nearly 40 years.
While Mary’s husband Wes, passed away in 1986, Mary continued filling her life with teaching and after her retirement, volunteered at Euclid Elementary School in Mt. Prospect, TOPS, American Redcross blood bank and taught basic computer courses. Mary loved to knit and crochet; she enjoyed working crossword puzzles and word searches, but mysteries novels were her reading passion! Mary was also very active at the 1st Presbyterian Church of Wheeling before it closed. Mary sang in the choir, taught bible school and was a Deacon of the church.
Mary also traveled to far off places like Australia, touring Europe for 2 weeks, visiting Scotland and Victoria, Canada as well as taking a weeklong train trip to see the Fall leaves in the Northeastern U.S. You would often find Mary sitting on her deck on a warm afternoon, she loved watching children playing, listening to birds and feeding the squirrels. Aside from family and friends, Mary also loved her pets. She had many dogs and cats over the years, which kept her company, including her cat, Cookie.
A Memorial Service will be held for Mary L. Mack on Friday, May 17th at the 1st Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, 302 N Dunton Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60004.
Visitation with family and friends will be from 10:30 am – 11:30 am at the church
Memorial Service from 11:30 am – 12:00pm in the small chapel
A private family burial will immediately follow the memorial service.
*In lieu of flowers, donations may also be made on behalf of Mary, to the Children's Fund at the 1st Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights or Shriners Children’s Hospital
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