Obituary of Mary M. Dean
Mary M. Dean, age 98, of Joliet, IL and formerly Romeoville, IL passed away Sunday morning January 10, 2021. She was born September 9, 1922 to the late Frances (nee Damski) and George Schuck in Trenton, NJ, where she was raised and educated. A graduate of the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception High School, soon after graduation, Mary met her beloved husband of 51 years, Chester Dean, an Indiana native who was stationed with the U.S. Army in Trenton at the time.
Mom was the matriarch of 5 generations and the last family member from the greatest generation. Her legacy is one of faith, hard work and simple pleasures. Homemaking was her passion and her skill at that will forever be lovingly etched in our hearts and memory. She loved singing with her late husband and her love for music and singing continued to her last days. Being “Little Gram” to her adored grandchildren was her greatest joy.
In addition to Chester, Mary is also preceded in death by her parents and seven siblings.
Survived by her children, Eleanor Teague, John (Sandra) Dean, Kenneth (Caryn) Dean, and Marianne (fiancé Wallace Martin) Harvey; grandchildren, Janet (Billy) Jones, Kimberly (Thomas) Fitzgerald, Jennifer (Dave) Lepper, Eric (Sarah) Dean, Jason Harvey, Crystal (Rick Micus) Harvey, and Jacob Harvey (fiancée Thalia Vazquez), Ryan (Michelle) Donfrio and Cara Donfrio; she will also be missed by her 18 great-grandchildren, 9 great-great-grandchildren, and generations of special nieces and nephews.
Visitation for Mary M. Dean will be held on Thursday, January 14, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. until prayers begin at 11:00 a.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road (at Essington Road), Joliet. In accordance with the Illinois guidelines, a 10 person capacity will be followed. Face masks are required and social distancing will be observed. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 noon at St. Andrew the Apostle Church, 505 Kingston Drive Romeoville, Il 60446. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Romeoville. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home or Joliet Area Community Hospice would be appreciated.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
