Mary Ellen Fencl
Mary Ellen (née Martin) Fencl, age 94, long-time resident of Western Springs; more recently of La Grange Park, passed away peacefully surrounded by her children on May 28, 2022. Survived by children, Mary Jo Rettinger, Maureen (William) Hollander, Karen Neal, Diane Ntephe, and Bob (Tessa); Grandchildren Mike Rettinger; Sarah Holborow (Chris), Ben, Matt, and Emily Hollander; Allison (Kevin) Neal; Hannah and David Ntephe. Great grandchildren Cameron and Avery Holborow; brother John (Kathy) Martin; and extended family and dear friends. Preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Bob; her parents John and EmEstelle; sister Barbara; grandson Brian Neal.
Mary Ellen created a welcoming home for her family and cherished friends. She enjoyed travel, winters in Florida, gatherings and celebrations. Involved with diverse community groups and her church.
Memorial Service at Plymouth Place-Dole Hall 315 N. La Grange Road, La Grange Park on Friday, June 3rd at 2:00 pm. Memorials may be made to the Presbyterian Church of Western Springs, 5250 Wolf Road, Western Springs.
Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home, Countryside at 708-352-6500.
Mary Ellen brought joy wherever she went. She was gracious, warm and welcoming. I was so fortunate to share many special gathering with her and Bob at Diane’s home. I will miss her presence in my life.
I am sorry to learn of Mary Ellen’s passing. I enjoyed the many visits she and Bob made to Diane’s house in Claremont. She was always kind , sweet and respectful. I will miss her.
Dear Diane… I’m so sorry to hear this… losing our mother is something we expect”someday”..all the while hoping it will be very far in the future…I pray for you to find comfort knowing she is no longer in any pain and is with our Father in Heaven… my prayers are for you, Hannah and David..
Judy, Thanks for your kind and supportive words as we try to draw meaning from the loss of our mother/grandmother. Treasure warm memories of dinners ( pumpkin soup and martinis!) with Neil/you and my parents during their Thanksgiving pilgrimage to Claremont. Diane & family
We just thought the world of Mary Ellen. She was an incredible neighbor and the kindest person. Hugs and prayers are with your family. The Good Family
What a lovely photo of your Mom! I took one look at the picture and memories of those happy days came flooding back. We were so blessed to have Mary Ellen and Bob as our next door neighbors and friends. Such sad news. Your are in our prayers. Loving thoughts. Mary H
I lover her so much. She was my friend and like a Grandma to me. I’m so sorry that your family has to go through this since so hard to loose a closed love one. I loved your Mom. Thank you for letting me take care of your Mom and spend time with her. She made me smile and laugh.
Mary, Jo, Maureen, Karen, Diane and Robert, I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. She lived a great life and was a great woman. I am glad you were all surrounding her – such a loving family you are. Our Moms were the best of the best. How we love them and how they loved us!
Aww, that is a beautiful picture. Your Mom was such a sweet and cheery person. It is sad to see another icon of your church return home. I will say a prayer for all of of you.
Thank you so much, Jane. My mom and I have really enjoyed getting to know you, your family and your Mom.
Karen
Remember my cherished friend, Diane we are never alone. Hold on to your faith, hope, love and the many beautiful memories of lovely mother. A beautiful strong woman filled with love. Her smile is engraved in my heart as is yours. Love, Maria
My deepest sympathy to the entire Fencl Family. Your Mom had a “great” life, from beginning to end. Her life was fulfilling and wonderful. Peace to the entire Fencl Family. John
I’m sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. The picture is absolutely beautiful and shows her lovely heartwarming smile. I always loved your dinners when your parents were in Claremont. Their voices and warm midwestern charm reminded me of so many of my parents’ friends. With sympathy, Mary
I am so sorry for your loss. Your Mom was one of the most wonderful people I know. Sadly for all of us but she will be happy with her love, Bob. She was such a beautiful woman. Deanna
I was so sorry to hear about your Mom. She was such a lovely, lively person. As a child, I adored her visits. Of course I have not seen her for years, but I have so many wonderful memories of your parents visits to Easton. Please know how much you are in my thoughts and prayers as you adjust to life without Mary Ellen. My heart goes out to your family. Love, Jane
I am sorry to hear the news of your mother. She was a blessing to all of us. Please extend my sympathy to the rest of the family. As with your mother, I always have fond memories of you, your sisters and your brother.
In love and hope, Bill
I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom. Your Mom was always smiling, always had a positive attitude, never heard her say anything negative, even in tough times. We all had a lot of fun together and when we were drinking wine, your Mom would really love it when I told her about the wine we were going to have. Where it was from, what grapes were used, what flavors there would be and when in the profile those flavors would come. I think she felt like I did when drinking wines from various parts of the world, the background of the wine and the unique flavors were like traveling to that place. A very special lady.