OBITUARY

Mary M. Whalen

October 15, 1931 – January 7, 2021

Mary M. Whalen, 89 of Arlington Heights was born October 15, 1931 in Chicago to the late Thomas (late Charlotte) and late Beatrice (nee Foy) Muldoon and passed away January 7, 2021. Mary lost her mother to pneumonia as a toddler and was raised by her loving father and aunts and uncles. Her father remarried and Mary soon became the older sister of 5. After high school, Mary began working in Chicago and would take her sisters downtown shopping. On April 26, 1958, Mary married Wallace Joseph Whalen at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Elmhurst. Mary loved being active, working in her career as a bookkeeper until she was 85. She was an avid exerciser and a long-time volunteer at Northwest Community Hospital gift shop. She was a generous woman who opened her home to family and friends. Mary was a strong woman of faith and an active member at Our Lady of Ransom Parish for many years and Our Lady of the Wayside Parish most recently. She was a gentle and caring soul, lovingly known as “Nan” to her 18 grandchildren, often babysitting and attending school and sporting events. She was always there for her 7 children. Mary was the beloved wife of the late Wallace J. Whalen; loving mother of Tom Whalen, Mike (Meg) Whalen, Molly (Michael) Wolfe, Wally (Mary) Whalen, Eileen (Tim) Kennedy, Sean (Alex Schleider) Whalen and Katie (Frank) Schimmel; cherished “Nan” to Brendan, Maura, Danny, Philip, Kimberly, Ryan, Sam, Claire, Gordon, Michael, Ben, Michael, Kelly, Jack, Mary Kate, Maggie, Joe and Charlie; dear sister of Bridgie (Bill) Sayles, JoEllen (Jim) Willis, Pat (Chuck) Boyle, Katy (Mike) Collins and Peggy Muldoon and fond aunt of many nieces and nephews. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, funeral services and interment will be private.

To view a video of Mary's Funeral Mass please go to the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L66TsbQh5w0&feature=youtu.be.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate at https://oblatesusa.org/donate/ appreciated.

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Mary M. Whalen

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Anonymous friend

January 22, 2021

Mary Whalen was a strong, wonderful lady and will undoubtedly be missed by all. While I knew her for only a season of life, she left a positive impact. I will always remember her for her strong faith, what I’ll call her insightful "Maryisms” and the warm bacon and eggs she made on for me. Kindness was her trademark. I know her family will reflect on her life and, in memory, will continue to love her forever. Eternal rest grant unto her, oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.

Michael Lynn

January 13, 2021

We are terribly sorry to hear about the passing of your Mother. May our condolences bring you peace during this painful time. May fond memories of your Mother bring you comfort during this difficult time. Sending thoughts and Prayers from the Lynn family .

jack FISHERKELLER

January 13, 2021

Tom, Mike , Molly, Wally, Eileen, Sean and Katie , We are all so sorry and sending thoughts and Prayers from the Fisherkellers to you ,
From the days of Easter Egg Hunts with you at your Grandma Fran Whalen's house to the last time we saw her at Marge Ryan's Birthday and our mother's services in 2019. We were sharing photos of her and we have ones of her and your dad from our wedding from October of 1981 . PEACE

Charles Boyle

January 12, 2021

To the Whalen family from the Boyle Family, my wife Rosaura and daughter Sarah like myself were saddened when we heard the news. Aunt Mary was always so confident and sure of herself. As a child I would spend time with my cousin Sean and would stay a day or two at the Whalen residence. I have such fond memories being with family. She always knew how to make me feel comfortable and have a great time. May we all find peace in this time of sorrow.

Mary Doherty

January 12, 2021

My first real memory of Mary (Mary Bea to my family) is standing next to her in her beautiful white wedding gown, and I in my beautiful white First Communion dress, feeling very special to have my picture taken with her on her big day, just the two of us!

She was always my idol, tall and trim, beautiful in looks, mind, and spirit. She married a kindred spirit, both of whom took such joy in their family of seven, it would inspire anyone to go seek that kind of fulfillment. Mary’s life was full of hardships, yet she never complained, never gave up. She lived her life with quiet grace, strength, and a fierce independence. She had a loving, generous, warm nature. She was always interested in others, and didn’t focus on herself. She had what you would call a beautiful soul. Mary is now in heaven with her beloved husband Wally, and her parents, as well as all the other family members who have gone before her.

To all her children, grandchildren, other family, and friends, I join with you in mourning the loss of this wonderful lady who gave me and all who knew her a perfect example of how to live. I am still trying, and will continue, for her sake.

Rest in peace, Mary, your work here was well done.

Love, Mary (Foy) & Martin Doherty and family

teresa mccarthy

January 12, 2021

To Mary's wonderful big Family,I am really saddened by Mary;s death.I always admired how she raised her large family.Unfortunately my most vivid memory of Mary is the day her precious Wally died.I immediately ran to be with her, she needed reassurance that Wal knew she loved him so much, "I did not say it often enough"she said.
My heart goes out to all of you, especially Eileen,Megan's friend.
Pat, Teresa, Megan, Fiona ,and Neil McCarthy

Tracy Needham

January 12, 2021

Deepest sympathies on the passing of Mary. I had the pleasure of meeting her in Ireland and in Chicago. She was a lovely person. I’m very sorry for your loss. From Tracy Needham and all the Needham’s in Islandeady, Ireland.

ROSE FERRARINI

January 11, 2021

Whalen Family
So sorry for your loss. Your mom was a great person. She touched many lives I was one of those we were friends for about 65 years.
She has been reunited with your dad but she will continue to watch over all of you in a different way. My prayers are with all of you.

SCHLEIDER Martine and jean Louis

January 11, 2021

We are glad we got to know Mary on several occasions.
she made us feel part of family and was always so welcoming.
she was generous and always smiling.

Ellyn Enyeart

January 10, 2021

Your Mom and I shared many great times in the gift shop. We worked together for many years and she continued for several more after my retirement. You could always depend on Mary and she was so helpful to our customers. She spoke of all of you with love and pride. She was a great friend and volunteer. I am so glad to have known her. With deepest sympathy.
Ellyn Enyeart: Retired Gift Shop Manager

FROM THE FAMILY