Obituary of Mary Isabel Domanus
Mary Isabel Domanus (nee Guard) passed away peacefully, at the age of 86, surrounded by her loving family at Lightways Hospice on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. She was born on September 18, 1938 to the late Leonard J. and Marjorie L. Guard in Plainfield, IL. She was raised in Joliet and Crest Hill and a graduate of Lockport Township High School, Class of 1956.
Mary planted her roots in Plainfield, IL in 1962 when she and her husband, James Domanus settled into their home on Renwick Road, where they raised their 5 beautiful daughters and resided for over 50 years.
Mary was known as an incredible woman, a genuine beautiful soul, an inspiration to all that knew her. She was a woman who defined strength, compassion and pure love. She enjoyed many hobbies throughout her life that led to the growth of numerous friendships that she cherished with her entire heart. Her love of gardening took her on many paths to include the organization and growth of the Plainfield Garden Club, and accomplishment of becoming a Master Gardener with the University of Illinois Extension. Mary’s artistic talents and creativity shone through her passion for photography, painting, calligraphy, and several other artistic aspects that she explored. Mary was a long time member of the Illinois Prairie Painters club, a proud election judge and a devoted member of the Plainfield Congregational United Church of Christ. Mary was the supervisor in the registration office at Joliet Junior College and retired from Plainfield Township Highway Department in 2017.
She is survived by her 5 loving daughters, Vickie Domanus, Susan (Thomas) Wiley, Carrie (Ed) Lonecke, Kelly (Tim) Harvey, and Elizabeth Black, and their father, James Domanus; grandchildren whom she adored, Jennifer (Rick Tandy) Wiley, Louis (Melissa) DuPree, Sr., Rachael (Luis Contreras) Eggleston, Mark (Amber-Leigh) Lonecke, Michael (Gabby Belchine) Harvey, Nicholas Black, and Addison Black; great-grandchildren, Isabelle, Brianna, Louis Jr., Kaylee, Travis and Logan; and great- great-grandson, Louis III and 2 more on the way; her beloved dog, Tony; her sister-in-law, Lein Guard; many nieces, nephews, and dear friends also survive.
To Mary family consisted of both blood and bonds formed by the heart, and deeply cherished those friends who also became family throughout her life.
Preceded in death by her parents; and mother, Marie M. Guard; grandchildren, Shellie Arthaud, Matthew Wiley, Daniel “Jon” Dupree; sister, Carol (Ralph) Massey; brother, Jack Guard; sister-in-law, Jean Domanus; and son-in-law, Michael Arthaud.
One of Mary’s most commendable accomplishments was ensuring preservation of the Spring Banks Iron Bridge, more commonly known as the one-lane-bridge on Renwick Road. In February 1995, Mary’s single nomination to list the bridge as a Will County Historic Landmark was achieved, and the fate of the bridge was secured. Additionally, Mary’s efforts to protect and preserve the bridge led her to becoming a recipient of the James Walker Pioneer Award in 2003.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lightways Hospice, or the Plainfield Historical Society dedicated in Mary’s honor to continue preserving and maintaining the one-lane-bridge on Renwick Road, also known to so many as “Mary’s Bridge”. Memorials can be received by mail: Mary Domanus's Bridge Memorial Fund, c/o Plainfield Historical Society, 23836 W. Main Street, Plainfield, IL, 60544.
Mary’s loss is deeply felt by her family and all those who knew and loved her. May her memory continue to live on and inspire strength, resilience, and generosity in those whose lives she touched.
Visitation for Mary Isabel Domanus will be held from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m., on Monday, February 10, 2025, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.), Joliet, IL. Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., at Plainfield Congregational UCC, 24020 W. Fraser Rd., Plainfield, IL. Inurnment will take place at a later date.
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.
