Mary D. Corona

Mary (Hernandez) Corona, age 86, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Daughter of the late Concepcion (nee Soza) and Atilano Hernandez, Mary was a proud graduate of St. Patrick High School for Girls. She spent her entire childhood at Jackson and Halsted, just steps away from Old St. Patrick’s Church in Chicago, Illinois.

She grew up in a vibrant, bustling household as one of ten children, alongside her eight brothers and one sister. Her life took a beautifully unexpected, cinematic turn when her future mother-in-law, Julia Corona, visited St. Patrick’s to scout local high schools for the city’s next parade queen. Chosen for her grace and beauty, Mary was crowned “La Reina,” proudly leading Chicago’s historic Mexican Independence Day Parade atop a community float.

In a wonderful twist of fate, Julia volunteered her own son, John, who was an only child, to serve as the queen’s official escort. Though John initially resisted going, the moment he laid eyes on Mary, the magic took over. Little did he know that he was looking at his future wife—and a woman who would welcome him into a massive, loving extended family.

That fateful parade introduction launched a legendary West Side romance and a 67-year marriage.

John and Mary ultimately moved to the suburbs, where they primarily raised their family in Niles, Illinois. Mary’s greatest joy was the beautiful family they built together.

She is survived by her husband, Thomas John Corona; she was the devoted mother of the late Vincent, Daniel, John (Sunny), and Lisa (Mike) Pullen, and the deeply proud grandmother of Tommy, Kevin, Danielle, Brooke, Christine, Michael, and Lexi.

Mary leaves behind a legacy of love, loyalty, and wonderful memories that will be cherished forever by her family and friends.

Visitation will be held at Oehler Funeral Home, 2099 Miner Street, Des Plaines, IL, on October 24, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, followed by a Funeral Service at the Funeral Home, from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm.