Mary Uhrina
Mary Dohr Uhrina, 64, of Westchester passed away on May 28th, 2024.
Mary was born on November 13, 1959 to Joseph and Ruth (Wonn) Dohr in Milwaukee.
After graduating from Pius XI high school in Milwaukee, Mary went to study Business Communications and Marketing at Mount Mary University. She graduated with a degree in Public Relations & Professional Writing and started her first job at Manpower in Milwaukee. A few years later she moved to Chicago to accept a position with Bozell Advertising & Public Relations Company as a Senior Account Supervisor. Upon leaving there, Mary opened her own PR business, Uhrina Communications, focusing on technical writing for Manufacturing businesses. Later she took a position as the Director of Marketing for a manufacturing company serving the roofing, paving and metal coil processing industries.
In 2006 she reopened her PR agency Clearly Write and launched a new press release writing tool designed to make press release creation easy for trade show exhibitors. A highlight of Mary’s career was in April 2006 when she was a recipient of the coveted Madonna Award for Professional Excellence from Mount Mary University.
Mary met Steve Uhrina through the Holy Name Cathedral Catholic singles group in Chicago in 1986 and were wed a year later.
Mary enjoyed a variety of outdoor activities including golfing, gardening and morel hunting. She was especially fond of cooking and became very proficient at preparing all types of wild game. She and Steve enjoyed traveling on cruises, golf trips and especially liked weekend getaways within driving distance of home. Her favorite destination recently was Calhoun County in west central Illinois for peaches. Mary and Steve also traveled to Cobden Illinois to view the 2017 and 2024 solar eclipses. She enjoyed her time at Lifetime fitness but moreover her spa days, and relaxing time lounging by the pool. Mary was an avid baseball fan and a 35-year White Sox season ticket holder along with Steve.
Mary was predeceased by her parents Joseph and Ruth Dohr, her niece Karen Muth, two brothers-in-law Alfred Spitza and Thomas Muth. She is survived by her husband Steve, her sisters Carol Spitza, Barbara Muth and Catherine Watts (Clyde) and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation 3 to 9pm on Friday, May 31st at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside. Chapel prayers, 10:15am, from the funeral home to St. John of the Cross Church, 5005 Wolf Rd., Western Springs for an 11am Funeral Mass on Saturday, June, 1st . Interment will take place privately.
Funeral information: 708-352-6500
Mary & Steve were neighbors (until they moved a few years ago). I am saddened to hear of Mary’s passing. They were such a tight couple he will stay in my prayers.
Sadly, I often know the names of neighbors’ dogs better than I recall neighbors’ names at Ashley Woods. I did not really know Mary or Steve, but after reading the above, I wish I did! My prayers go out to Steve and all the family and friends of Mary, who sounds like a wonderful individual. May she rest in peace.
Steve (youu), we are so saddened to hear about Mary. We will always remember the great times we had golfing with the Sabbath Breakers, traveling to AZ, Green Lake, Lake Erie fishing, but most of all laughing and having a good time. We will truly miss Mary. Our thoughts are with you during this very difficult time. All our love, Ken and Claudia
I knew Mary and Steve through their neighbors the Rieger’s. We had several dinners together and always had a great time! Mary was funny, friendly and a lot of fun and Steve was always right beside her. Mary will surely be missed. My deepest sympathies go out to Steve and the family and friends of Mary♥️🙏
There was a magical time and place, though we didn’t know it then, at Bozell Public Relations. Our world was young as we discovered adulthood and tried to be so professional. We had fun. Mary played an important role in that time and place and I, we, will always remember her. She was, I think, the most talented of all of us and perhaps the most fragile. But her tough exterior would never show it. God bless you Mary Dohr Uhrina. Enjoy your new journey.
I worked with Mary at Nalco. On a business trip together we discovered that our husbands were both engineers. We introduce our husbands and have been great friends for 35 years. Enjoyed the many golf trips, golfing on Sundays at Cogg Hill, and Thursday evening at Village Greens. Mary is the one who got me to join the ladies league at Village Greens. It came with lessons. Thank goodness our game improved vastly since then. Will miss her quick wit and great cooking. My heart aches for your loss. She will be missed by many. May your memories bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Steve,
My deepest condolences to you on the loss of your beloved wife Mary. I will forever hold deep in my heart our time we spent together. There was always much laughter and love when we were together. Thank you for sharing her and for allowing me to be with her in the hospital. I was blessed that Mary was not only my cousin in law, she was my friend.
I look forward to reuniting with her in our Fathers House.
Prayers,
Mary Jane Uhrina Gloudeman
Steve. we are so sorry to learn about Mary. We have many fond memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love and hugs Pat and Dan
Steve, I was sorry to hear about Mary passing. She was so young and it was so unexpected. I remember the trips that I shared with you and Mary to National Bowling Tournaments around the country along with your trips to Wyoming antelope hunting. Most especially the the time sitting in your vehicle watching in front of us for antelope only to see them walking behind us. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time for you.
Your cousin Ed Melko
Steve: Know that my thoughts are with you. It’s been forever and a day since we got together. I wish you peace – and amazing memories. Barbara Jacobs
Steve,
Mary was very special to me. She loved my kids and they remember her fondly for teaching them pranks and allowing one or even two ice cream bars for breakfast. One of her favorite stories was allowing my 3 year old son to order steak off the adult menu and watching him eat it. Her love of art and cooking will always be some of the qualities that I will always remember.
The coffee stained wedding dress will forever be a memorable gift. I know that your grief is immense. Love, hugs!
Sandy
Steve, Mary will be missed, she always had a witty comment or was giving Mac an earful for misbehaving romping around the yard. I hope you find solace in the fact that her last night on this earth was a special night out with the man of her dreams before laying down to rest.
Steve, We are so sorry to hear about Mary’s passing. She was a warm-hearted and fun person. We so enjoyed our trip to Jekyll Island with you both. We are praying for you and your family.
Kay’s Koffee Group was brought to life with Mary’s quick wit and humor. Even though the group no longer meets officially, we do stay in touch with each other, now unfortunately, without Mary. Steve, my condolences.
I knew Mary through our weekly Koffee group – a professional group of about 15 business professionals from around the country. We started meeting at the onset of Covid (over Zoom, of course). Mary was an important and valuable part of the group. But beyond the professional, her personality and wit added flavor and enjoyment to our meetings – she often had us in stitches! The relationships in our group grew beyond just business. I considered Mary a friend, and her loss is painful to say the least. As I got to know Mary, I learned something else about her – she had a huge heart. She cared deeply for others, and made an impact that won’t be forgotten. RIP Mary. It was a true pleasure to have you in my life. My prayers go out to Steve and the rest of Mary’s family.
We had the privilege of meeting Mary for the first time recently on the golf course. Her quick-wit and spunky attitude won us over immediately! Steve, we are so sorry for your loss. We wish we had more time to get to know Mary even better, but know you will continue to entertain us with stories and memories about her the next time we see you.
She was so full of life and surprises……remembering the St George’s parties…driving to your house in the TR2 in January….with the top down! So very sorry to hear she has passed….much too young…hugs to you from Az Kris and Rick Carr
Mary was a dear friend in grade school and high school, so we’ve had over 59 years of friendship. I have so many wonderful memories of our times together. The last time we”talked”, she told me about your epic trip to the Field of Dreams. Mary touched a lot of lives with her sparkling personality and huge heart. Deepest condolences to you, and may she rest in peace.
What a beautiful and busy life! Steve and family, hopefully the outpouring of remembrances of Mary from her many friends gives you comfort at the difficult time. Living in Ashley Woods, the best chance to meet your neighbors is to have a dog. That is how I knew Mary. We had talked about playing Mahjongg but, unfortunately will not have chance. She will be missed.