Obituary of Mary Lauterbach

Mary C. Lauterbach (nee Heitzman) Age 66, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 8, 2014 from complications due to a twenty-seven year battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Mary is survived by her loving family, including her son, Michael (Kimberly) Denson; grandchildren, Kirsten and Ryland; mother, Irene Heitzman; sisters, Bernie McMahel and Susan (Bill) Cox; brother-in-law, Joseph Walters; nieces and nephews, Irene and Zoe Walters, Scott, Brian, and Lauren Deininger, Jared Sileven, Sarah, Wil, and Jordan Meister; great-nieces and great-nephews, Lydia Vaz, Seth Walden, Tyler and Makayla Deininger; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Preceded in death by her father, John E. Heitzman; sister, Carol Heitzman-Walters; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Mary was a lifelong Joliet area resident. She was a graduate of Providence High School Class of 1966 and Joliet Junior College School of Nursing. She was a dedicated Registered Nurse, spending most of her career at Silver Cross Hospital in Joliet, where she worked as both a floor nurse and a surgical nurse. Mary was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Joliet, where she served the congregation in many ways and developed several special friendships over the years. For the last seventeen years, Mary had resided at Sunny Hill Nursing Home in Joliet, where she served numerous terms as President of the Resident Council and received many awards and recognitions for her contributions as a volunteer and advocate. Mary faced the pain, difficulties, and struggles associated with Multiple Sclerosis with as much bravery and dignity as possible. She was devoted to helping raise awareness about the disease and volunteering to help educate nursing students about the care of MS patients. The family would like to thank the administration and staff of Sunny Hill Nursing Home for providing Mary with a long-term, caring and supportive environment and the Joliet Area Community Hospice for their exceptional care during her final days. Funeral Services for Mary C. Lauterbach will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet, with Pastor Jane Perkolup officiating. Interment Woodlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mary's name to the Joliet Area Community Hospice, National Multiple Sclerosis Society or the Friends of Sunny Hill would be appreciated. Visitation Monday, 2-8 p.m. at the funeral home. For more information: (815) 741-5500 or www.fredcdames.com