Mary Fattore

Mary passed away with her hand being held at home in her bedroom, where she was most comfortable and loved by her family and friends. Mary is survived by her children Brian (Jennifer) Smith and Kristin (Scott) Hynek and her six grandchildren, Mia, Andrew, Ben, Sam, Aubri, and Alexa, who she loved more than anything in the world. Mary is also survived by her brother Tom (Pam) Fattore, sister Sue (Jack) Zugenbuehler, Uncle Bernard (Mary Lou) Russo, Aunt Dolores Mulvenna, her nieces Melanie (Nick) and Laura, nephews Peter and Karl, and many cousins, extended family, and friends she held close throughout her life. Mary is preceded in death by her parents and stepfather, Ernest Fattore and Lorraine (Frank) Schwartz, sister Theresa (Dave) Ploger, and Uncle Jim Mulvenna.

Mary was born in Chicago Illinois on October 23, 1950. In 1970, she married her high school love, and they traveled the world with the USAF, having their two children along the way. They returned home to the Chicago area in 1977 and settled in Dolton IL. Mary lived in Dolton until 2000 when she moved to Orland Park IL to care for her mother. In 2019, Mary moved to Manhattan IL to live with her daughter. Mary loved the quieter life of Manhattan where she would sit outside enjoying the trees in each season, the sky that she always said, “seems more blue out here,” and the birds that she believed followed her back and forth between her children’s homes.

Mary took pride in any work she did or job she held. She often talked about her teenage job as a dental assistant for Dr. Stillerman. For 40 years, Mary worked as a secretary alongside her two uncles, Bernard and Jim, at the Chicago Russo family business, Russo Real Estate. Mary loved being close to her uncles and the relationship they had from working together every day for so many years.

Mary also worked at Oak Forest Hospital for over 20 years where she made many friends she kept until her final days. Mary genuinely enjoyed her days working alongside her friends at Oak Forest Hospital and she liked to share her experiences from Oak Forest Hospital with anyone who would listen.

Mary’s first grandchild, Mia, was born in 2003 and Mary cherished being able to witness the moment Mia entered the world. This was the start of a life lived being an adoring grandmother. Mary’s six grandchildren were the light of her life and she would never hesitate to baby-sit, attend a game, theater play, concert, or just be a part of their everyday life. Despite her fear of needles, Mary even got shoulder tattoos to represent her grandchildren! Mary loved being able to spend her last few years living in the homes of her children where she could see her grandchildren every day.

Mary was always there for a friend in need and her friends became family. Her home was always open to everyone and she cherished the people in her life. Mary did not let distance with friends, family, and her cousins prevent her from keeping in touch throughout the years. Mary loved celebrating every holiday on the calendar, decorating her home, hosting parties, playing Bunco, bowling, and saving everything…because, you never know when you will need it!

Mary fought bravely for two and a half years and was continually grateful how good she felt despite her illness. Mary’s grandchildren were her motivation to fight for her life for as long as she could. In the very last days of her life, Mary still had her sense of humor, remained concerned about those caring for her, and used her energy to put her loved ones first.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer’s Association or Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

A visitation will be held for Mary at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 102 E. Francis Road New Lenox IL 60451 on Friday, December 17, 2021 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a funeral service in the chapel at 8:00 PM.