Mary A. Jamrozik
Mary Assunta Jamrozik, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, sister, aunt, godmother, and friend to many, passed away on Tuesday, February 16, 2021, her husband at her side in Western Springs, Illinois. She was 87 years old.
Mary was born on August 15, 1933 in Chicago, Illinois, daughter to the late Joseph and Antoinette Gualtieri, sister to the late Ida (Pete) Cadetto and Carmella (Frank) Capparelli, and survived by her brother Salvatore (late Sarah) and sister Rose (Frank) Hutchinson.
Mary leaves behind her beloved husband Edward. Mary and Ed were married for 65 years and dedicated their lives to each other, and their ever-expanding family. She was sister-in-law to the late Emily (John) Pultorak, Anna (Frank) Cadero, Harry (survived by Jo) Jamrozik, Mary (Lou) Romano, survived by Josephine.
She was a member, employee and volunteer for St. John of the Cross Parish in Western Springs where she grew her church family.
Mary was wonderfully devoted to her 8 children: Mary Jo (Allen), Antoinette (Ronald), John (Lynn), Angie (Mark), Cathy (late Karl Sr.), Teresa, Rosanne (Bill), & Edward Jr. (Christine).
She was Nani to Jayson, Jacqueline (Terrence), Cyndi (Jeff), Jamie, late Mark Jr., Kristen (Nicholas), Erica (Brandon), Brittany (engaged to Andrew), Ryan, Ashlee, Karl Jr. (Hailey), Nicole (engaged to Joe), late Christina, Jessica (Alex), Matthew (engaged to Hannah), Carolyn, Ronald Jr., Anthony (engaged to Mary Kate), Brooke, Bradley (Lieren), Annalyse, Sarah and Benjamin.
Mary was especially proud to be GNani to her 17 great-grandchildren: Gwyneth, Griffin, Dillan, Gabriel, McKenzie, Ryleigh, Meredith, Alexis, Alex Jr., Skylar, Rhett, Rory, Jenna, Hunter, Matthew, Ronan, & Elisabeth.
Mary was known for her incredible gift of hospitality, her cooking, amazing cakes, cookies, and pastries. Her Italian heritage would shine in everything she did, along with adopting her husband’s Polish traditions. She never visited her friends or family without a gift in hand, cookies, cake, or bread.
Mary was passionate about capturing memories on camera. She took pictures (and “just a little video”) at every gathering, big or small, of everyone in her vicinity. Mary would turn those pictures into a photo album to gift to her loved ones. Those photo albums are full of memories from birthdays to weddings, first day of school to purchasing a first home.
Mary lived to be at family gatherings, and that passion extended to her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s activities. She never missed a party, a wedding, a funeral, a graduation, or even a simple band concert. She would not only take photos (and “just a little video”) at each of those occasions, but she also made sure to bring home some type of souvenir or memorabilia.
As Mary and Ed’s family grew, family members began to spread throughout the United States. Mary made sure to travel and visit her family as often as possible. Mary would bring comforts from her hometown Chicago, with food and treats, as well as spend time cooking & baking with her loved ones. Mary also made sure to stay in touch with friends and family through letters and cards, phone calls and emails. She welcomed many guests to her home, including her sister-in-law Josephine, who has lived with them the past few years.
Mary made holidays special with her traditional lambs cakes, Chocolate Easter Bunny and $2 bill at Easter, and the BEST socks at Christmas…memories that her children and their families will treasure forever.
Mary’s faith in Jesus was strong, her favorite phrase was “God Willing”, and she lived peacefully with her everlasting and faithful connection to the Blessed Mother. Mary was a servant to her parish, and her church family. Her family is at peace with the truth that Mary has made her homecoming into heaven while we continue to celebrate her legacy here.
Mary, Hon, Mom, Nani, GNani, you will be deeply missed!
Visitation 3 to 9pm on Monday, February 22 at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside. Maximum 50 people admitted into funeral home at a time. Social distancing guidelines in place; masks are required. Per family’s request, please refrain from physical expressions of sympathy.
Funeral Mass 11am on Tuesday, February 23 at St. John of the Cross, 5005 S. Wolf Rd., Western Springs. All attendees must register for Mass at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0948a8af28abf58-mary1 Family & friends asked to meet at church by 10:45am to be checked in and seated.
To view Mary’s Funeral Mass, access this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOarEkXpmCw&feature=youtu.be
A Celebration of Life for all family & friends to attend will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mary’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital are appreciated (https://www.stjude.org/).
Interment is private. Funeral info: (708) 352-6500
Sweet Mary, you will be deeply missed. Our loss is heaven’s gain. I am sure you’ll take the lead baking cakes, doing clerical work, cleaning up, taking photos and most importantly – praising God.
Please accept my sincere condolences.
My thoughts are with your family.
I will miss my wonderful God Mother Aunt Mary. For 59 years straight she always remembered my birthday with a card. She was an amazing mom to all her children and an amazing grandmother. Always so loving kind generous thoughtful.
To my wonderful and loving mother in law I will miss the great times we had together and your loving smile when you came to visit you were truly my 2nd mother and I will miss you . Till we meet again
Your oldest son in law
Al
May God be with you
Love you always
My sweet Nani Ryleigh and I will miss you dearly, Ryleigh says G Nani will be watching over us and I said yes she will always. We love you and you’ll always be in my heart and all our thoughts. Until we see each other again Nani. I love you and will miss you lots ❤
So sorry for your loss
Will never forget Mary’s humor, chef-quality cooking, and love for her family (and those who wanted to be part of her family). I can still taste her cookie “knots” (I can’t remember the real name) and tomato gravy. I am so sorry I am unable to attend due to health issues. It would be hard not to hug the entire family that were so close to me in my childhood and share in your grief. Special love to Ed and Aunt Jo, Toni, MaryJo, Angie, Johnny, Kathy, Roseanne and Eddie and the extended family. My thoughts and love are with all of you. Tell stories of Mary’s ingenuity, kindness, passion, quick laugh, event planning skills, and love.
omg I knew I forgot someone – Sorry Terri!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Dominic & Charissee send our deepest condolences to your beautiful family.
I will always cherish the fun memories and love shared with Mary at holiday cookie bakes! She’s a beautiful woman inside and out! We’re so blessed to have known her.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. I remember her fondly, always taking pictures at the family events. She truly loved her family.
God bless Mary’s family in their time of loss and my they have the grace to continue some of her wonderful traits of baking, hospitality and joy
I worked with Mary at St. John of the Cross in Youth Catechesis. She was great fun and so welcoming and selfless. When I told her I was making my mom’s homemade bread recipe a few years ago, she reminded me that I had to buy Ceresota flour because it was the best for baking. I have been doing that ever since and think of her when I do! May she Rest In Peace and may the memory of her love fill your hearts with joy.
Such wonderful memories of Mrs. Jam as we all used to call her growing up back in the old Irving Park neighborhood. What a great, loving and caring person. She will be missed. I do remember her with her camera always taking pictures and yes… just a little video.!!
Thinking of all of you. Sorry I won’t be able to attend the service. My love and prayers to all.
Cuma Mary filled a grandmother role to Joanna and Billy and we were so grateful. She made a giant birthday cake for Billy’s 1st Birthday. Her heart could always hold more love and even “adopt” Josephine Bober’s grandchildren too. We enjoyed many parties. Love you Cuma Mary and Ed
Edward, My deepest condolences to you and your family. Wishing you peace and comfort at this difficult time.
Camille (Elliot Construction Corp)
Losing a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother makes the heart ache. 💔
May the memories you made and shared keep her alive in your heart always.💓🙏
John and I are saddened that we are not able to be in person but know that we are there for you in spirit.
Dear Ed: As I said on the phone, Mary was a lovely and generous person. Hopefully, the many great memories that you have will help mitigate your grief. Roseanne and I regret that we can not be there in person to extend our condolences to you and your family. Mary and you are in our prayers.
May choirs of angels welcome you home and give you an honored place in the heavenly kitchen!!! Your kindness and generosity to so many, be it neighbors or parishioners, will be greatly missed.
Sleep in heavenly peace,
In honor of Auntie Mary, I made a pumpkin chip cake this morning, a recipe she gave me years ago. It is a favorite and reminder of her. While it was baking, “Ave Maria” just randomly played on my station. I will always remember her loving kindness, generosity, energy, faith, baking (shared love of cookies) and constantly doing things and worrying about others. She is an inspiration and will be missed terribly. We are deeply saddened and Sam-Dad is heart-broken. May your memories bring comfort and God’s perpetual light shine upon her soul in heaven.
My deepest sympathies. Hold your memories in your heart and she will always be with you. Mrs. J. always made the best cakes- for my graduations, bridal shower etc. And I will never forget her sneezes.
Aunt Mary was such a wonderful lady. She is deeply missed and will always be remembered. May she rest in God’s arms now.
My heart is sadden to hear about her passing . Mary was like a mom to me went we work at Irving federal bank . I can remember when we all had our birthdays Mary would come marching in to the bank with her birthday cakes for everybody we all had a favorite cake that she would bake mine was the pistachio cake. Although I haven’t spoke with Mary for a while she was always on my mind.Mary you have definitely earned your wings on Earth here may you rest in peace.You will be miss!
Patty Quinn- Falk
Patty Quinn-Falk
February 28, 2021 | Lake Zurich, IL | Friend