Mary Van Wazer

Mary H. Van Wazer of Mt. Prospect passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 22nd, 2015, with her children at her side. She was 78 years old. Mrs. Van Wazer was a beloved educator to generations of students and their families during her 25 years as a teacher at St. Zachary’s School in Des Plaines and 10 years as principal at St. Benedict’s Elementary School in Chicago. She was especially touched by the many former students that were her Facebook friends. She also dedicated her life to the service of those in need through 30 years of membership in the Society of St. Vincent de Paul where she served in a variety of positions including President of the Society’s Chicago Council; Conference President; Conference Spiritual Advisor; Conference Soup Kitchen Coordinator; and Advocate of the Needy. Her leadership, skills and charisma were recognized at the local, regional and national levels of the Society. Mrs. Van Wazer was a parishioner of St. Zachary’s Catholic Parish of Des Plaines, IL for more than 40 years.

She was pre-deceased by her husband, Thomas Van Wazer in 2005. She was the dear Mother of Thomas (Lauren) Van Wazer, Mary Kay (Todd) Looney and Barbara Jean (Dan) Murphy and the loving grandmother of Kyle, William, Ryan, Christina, Thomas and Joseph.

Visitation Friday February 27,2015 from 3-9pm at Oehler Funeral Home 2099 Miner St. Des Plaines, IL. (corner of Northwest Hwy / Rt14 and Rand Rd.). Funeral Saturday with prayers starting at 9:45am and then proceeding to St Zachary Church, 567 Algonquin Rd Des Plaines, IL. Mass 10:30am. Interment All Saints Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 645 W. Randolph, Chicago, IL 60661, or at http://www.svdpchicago.org. Funeral Info 847-824-5155 or oehlerfuneralhome.com