Mary T. Fahey

Mary T. Fahey (nee Campbell) "Sis", Devoted wife of the late Martin J. Fahey, loving stepmother to Sheila (the late James Wallenius) and Marty (Patti) Fahey; proud grandmother of Erik (Maura) Wallenius, Gavin, Trevor, and Connor Fahey; She was born and raised in Chicago to Irish-immigrant parents from Co. Mayo, the late John Campbell and Ann (Egan); Loving sister of the late Nancy Rakow and the late Lt. Col. Rev. John Campbell, USAF; Beloved cousin of Eileen Bray and Mary Costello Makowski; Aunt of Bob (Annette) Rakow, Jr. An Irish dancer, dancing teacher, and adjudicator of great renown, Mary started her career in Irish dancing in the late 1930s with local Irish dancing master, Pat Roche. She went on to start her own school of Irish dance in the late 1940s until mid 1960s in Chicago, after which she became a respected adjudicator of Irish dancing competitions (Feis and Oireachtas) both locally and nationally. Mary was also a member of the first tour of Irish-American musicians, singers, and dancers to tour Ireland in the summer of 1959. Mary "Sis" was treasured by family, friends, students, colleagues, and by the thousands of Irish dancing competitors who crossed her path for her unassuming and cheerful demeanor, her bright smile, and her unfailing optimism. Alongside her late husband Martin, she co-produced the yearly Southside St. Patrick's Day show, "Ireland on Parade," a week-long celebration of Irish music, dancing, and song held annually in Chicago since 1967. She and Martin were proud founders and stalwart supporters of Chicago's Gaelic Park. Funeral prayers Wednesday from Andrew J. McGann & Son Funeral Home, 10727 S. Pulaski Rd., to St. Catherine of Alexandria Church, Mass 10 AM. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Visitation Tuesday 4-9 PM. In lieu of flowers, the Fahey family requests memorial donations to be made to the Medical Missionaries of Mary, 4425 W. 63rd St., Chicago, Illinois, 60629, (773) 735-3712 or online at http://mmmworldwide.org