Mary Agnes (Sheridan) Dobski

Mary Agnes (Sheridan) Dobski peacefully departed this earth on Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, after living a beautiful life filled with love, having married the man of her dreams, having had five adoring children and two cherished grandchildren, blessed with numerous family members and countless devoted friends, and having the great fortune to have lived and traveled all over the world.

One of a kind, radiant and classy are just a few of the words that can be used to describe the special person that Mary was.

Mary was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on September 24, 1945, where she spent the first 13 years of her life. Mary’s father worked for the United States Department of State and traveled throughout the world. Mary attended boarding school for her primary education at Our Lady of Mercy School in Rio de Janeiro. Later, Mary graduated high school from Marymount International School in Rome, Italy. She attended college at Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia. On school breaks, she would return to live with her parents in such diverse countries as Nigeria, Liberia, Haiti, British Guyana, and South Korea.

On one faithfilled return home in March of 1967, Mary visited her parents who were then stationed in Seoul, South Korea. Her parents hosted a St Patrick’s Day celebration for several of the US servicemen stationed there, one of which became the love of her life, Anthony (Tony) Dobski. It was not long before she lovingly referred to him as her “Polish Prince”. After graduating from DePaul University, Tony was commissioned to the Army serving as a second lieutenant in Seoul and was later promoted to a first lieutenant.

Tony and Mary were married on January 11, 1969, in Chicago, Illinois. Mary began working in the family business, Edmund’s Foods. She quickly learned the delicatessen and all the ins and outs of the family grocery business with 3 locations on the Northwest side of Chicago.

In 1980, Mary supported Tony in embarking to become a McDonald’s Franchisee. Opening their first restaurant in Covington, Tennessee. Mary’s strong work ethic contributed to the restaurant’s great success. They exceeded projections and needed more seats added within 14 months. In 1983, Mary and Tony, along with their 4 daughters, relocated to San Antonio, Texas to expand their business. In 2010, Mary and Tony relocated to Laredo, Texas to further their McDonald’s career. Receiving the prestigious Ronald Award in 2013 and the Larry Zimmerman Legacy Award in 2015 were significant milestones in her McDonald’s career.

Through her work as a McDonald’s franchisee, she served as a second mother, counselor, and friend to countless employees giving them sound advice, support, and mentorship.

A devout and committed Catholic with an affinity to the Blessed Mother, Mary had a strong and deep faith. Mary volunteered at Holy Spirit Catholic School and St. Rose Hospital for years in San Antonio. Mary led and worked on the committees to host Christmas Dinner and Festivities for the Ronald McDonald Houses of San Antonio for more than 15 years. Mary also served in leadership for the Houston Region McDonald’s Regional Advisory Council as Secretary /Treasurer for 5 years.

Mary and Tony enjoyed a strong, respectful marriage of 52 years working together in business and life. As they traveled the world, they made wonderful memories, experienced new cultures, and socialized with friends and family. Mary visited 99 countries on this Earth and had plans for October of 2021 to visit her 100th country - Turkey.

Mary lit up the world for all those around her. She was a sincere, dear friend to everyone she met, including strangers. She had a heart of gold and a true compassion, zest, and love that was contagious. She showered people with real friendship and a spirit that radiated to all who met her. Mary was a vital support system for so many in times of physical, emotional, or spiritual need providing cards, thoughtful words, and prayers of support - a true guiding light to people. Mary had a profoundly positive attitude, a real sense of humor and an ability to laugh and be lighthearted. The repeated sayings you heard from Mary were to “Keep the Faith”, “Where there is a will there is a way” and “Love you more”. Mary truly lived life to the fullest. All her friends worked to ensure they were staying out of Mary’s “private office” and “doghouse” knowing that she would hold them to account for staying in line.

Mary was admired for her elegant sense of style and immaculate appearance. She always took the time to look her best. She lived a determined life with grace and strong will power.

Mary’s two grandchildren, Jack and Sheridan, were treasured gifts in her life. Making hundreds of memories together from their very special travels to Brazil, Greece, and Italy, to the simpler moments spent swimming, making rice and peas, black beans and rice and baking cookies together. Jack and Sheridan adored Mary who they lovingly referred to as ‘Gigi’ and Gigi referred to them as her two angels.

In September of 1994, Mary was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. For 27 years the disease progressed and challenged Mary physically and advanced to attack other major organs. In 2016, Mary was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Lung and her condition became more significant. Mary loved and respected her Rheumatologist Dr. Teri Horan and Pulmonologist Dr. Randall Bell who primarily treated her for the Rheumatoid conditions.

There were additional health challenges that impacted Mary, which required her to endure 3 GI surgeries over the last 4 years under the care of Dr. Joseph Karam. Mary considered Dr. Karam an “adopted” son. Mary infinitely admired and loved her entire health care team including Dr. John Matlock, Dr. Paven Devulapally, Dr. Mark Weinstein, Dr. Patrick Masters, and Dr. Sachin Gupta.

Mary leaves behind her loving and committed husband Tony of 52 years; daughters Diane Dobski, Danielle Marasco (Michael), Kathryn McQueeney (John), and Kristin Kurtzer (Jay); 2 grandchildren Jack (13) and Sheridan McQueeney (11); niece Suzie Elinger (John); brother-in-laws Robert Dobski (Julie) and Thomas Dobski (Marilyn); along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her son Patrick; parents Edward & Ursula Sheridan; brother and sister-in-law Edward & Maureen Sheridan; father and mother-in-law Edmund & Jane Dobski; and uncle Leonard Kroll.

Services —

Tuesday, September 28, 2021:

Visitation and Rosary

Holy Spirit Catholic Church

8134 Blanco Road

San Antonio, Texas 78216

5pm – Rosary

5:30pm to 8pm – Visitation

Wednesday, September 29, 2021:

Catholic Mass

Holy Spirit Catholic Church

San Antonio, Texas

10 am

Services in San Antonio will be livestreamed below.

Friday, October 1, 2021:

Visitation and Rosary

Colonial Wojciechowski Funeral Home

6250 N Milwaukee Ave

Chicago, IL 60646

7pm Rosary

4pm-8pm – Visitation

Saturday, October 2, 2021:

Catholic Mass of Christian Burial

Queen of All Saints Basilica

6280 N Sauganash

Chicago, Illinois 60646

10am

Interment and Burial following St. Adalbert Cemetery

Donations can be made to - St Jude Children’s Research - by clicking here.

Click here to view the Memorial Video of Mary Dobski.