mary

Dar Nawrocki:
I hardly know where to start. I have known Mary for over thirty five years. We went to the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts together in the late sixties and early seventies and we had a blast. She was very creative and a hard worker, and she had a wild and whimsical sense of fun. She was a full time student at CA and took academic courses at Roosevelt University, so she didn't have much spare time, but she was always willing to help out a friend. Whether it was helping a teacher paint her apartment or working a fundraiser to help a student and his wife pay the medical expenses for their new baby, she always gave 100%. Then there was our involvement in historical re enacting. Back in 1975, my husband, Jim, found some guys who were looking to start a Revolutionary War re enacting group. We have an interest in 18th century history, so we decided to join. We told Mary and Dave about it, hoping they wouldn't think we were crazy, but they loved the idea and joined in with great enthusiasm.- We are still doing it today, in fact Mary received a medal of merit for her work with the Northwest Territory Alliance. And so life goes on, with work and kids, etc. We lost touch for a while. During this period Mary had some really rough times, the extent of which she didn't always want to share. Despite the setbacks she soldiered on, always brave, always kind, always thinking about helping others. She had a lively intellect and was interested in everything. You could have a conversation with Mary that would range from Art History to the nature of the universe and back to the best way to grow tomatoes. I just can't imagine not doing that again.I wish words could convey what a wonderful, caring, beautiful and smart friend I have lost. We used to joke about growing old together. I guess that is not going to happen. I know that while she was here she blessed my life... Thanks, Mary I am missing you so much.

Denise Fleischer--
When Mary came to work at the Journal & Topics Newspapers, in Des Plaines, over eight months ago, I immediately recognized her wonderful personality.

During our Thursday dinners together we spoke about paranormal aspects: karma, reincarnation and ghost hunters. Mary loved gardening and her cats. She loved participating in the King's Regiment and often spoke of costumes and weapons. Though it was a totally different time period, she had a wonderful time at the Bristol Renaissance Fair with my family. Everything there demanded her attention: the natural soaps, jousting, swords, dolls, candy and food. She loved it all.

Mary always wanted to learn more about computer software. She was so creative and intelligent. So helpful.

Months ago I told her that I created a fictional character for her. Sara would have her warm personality and help the protagonist solve mysteries. She seemed to like that idea and even chose Sara's name.

Mary didn't just reach out to you as a friend. Her concern for others touched your family as well. She was invited to my family's Thanksgiving dinner and loved everything served. She brought several different cheeses and an assortment of crackers and many appetizers. We all talked for hours about this and that and the Metra train accident two blocks from her home.

All of her friends, not only I, know that she will be missed every day of our lives. She will be remembered by all of us.

A quote I will remember about Mary is "Isn't that BEAUTIFUL!" Mary was one of the few people I know who was always excited about everything! Her energy was infectious albeit exhausting! She never had an unkind word about anyone, and few of us can say the same. Mary was a dear friend who was generous to a fault with her time, her talents, and her boundless enthusiasm. She was my friend; I loved her; I will miss her always.

Lisa Kowynia
King's 8th Regiment of Foot
North West Territory Alliance

My husband, Tom and I have known Mary for many years, through our involvement with Revolutionary War reinactments (NWTA). Mary was such a good friend. She was so kind and thoughtful to me. When I was sewing my wedding dress, she came over to help me with some cartridge pleating, which had brought me to tears. The pleating had to fit around the point of the back of the bodice, and I couldn't get it right. She also brought over some lovely lace for the bodice neckline and sleeves. Mary also helped Tana Shoger (my matron of honor) with my hairdo on my wedding day (which took place at an event). I remember a particular fun time when our boys were teens and I drove down Milwaukee to Rosemont to drop them off at some sort of comicbook convention, I think. I had 4-5 hours before I had to pick them up, so Mary and I met for a very long lunch and then we went to her office, where she showed me what kind of work she does. I also had worked in Advertising and Layout before Tom and I married. So we had fun talking shop and visiting. Tom and I have a lot of fond memories of Mary and we will miss her very much.

Tom and Donna Staats

Mary was a true friend.
I never heard her say a bad word about anyone. She was truthful, and probably enjoyed news about people as much as anyone else, but she never said anything mean or unfair about anyone.
She was generous, even with what she did not have.
Usually cheerful and always loving and good-natured.
Very smart.
Loved nature - animals and gardens.
Thoughtful of others. Helpful and kind.
Her cheerful voice, laughter and presence will be missed by more friends than she knew she had. I just hope she did knew that I was one of them.

Margaret Eiden, Illinois

I met Mary for the first time a few years ago through association with Jim Nawrocki. It turns out that Mary, Jim, his wife Dar, and my husband Glenn Kuhn all went to art school together a "few" years ago. Mary and I hit it off from the moment we met. Mary was such a lovely person. Although I wasn't fortunate enough to have know her longer, my heart breaks knowing she is gone.

To all her friends and family, my deepest sympathy.
Christina Guzy Kuhn

David Jahntz, Mary's first husband ---Mary will always be in my heart. Her forgiveness of me for my immaturity during our nine-year marriage is something I will always cherish. We were able to become great friends for another nine years before God took her home. Mary gave of herself like no one I have ever known -- even to her own detriment at times. Her sense of hope was the cornerstone of her life. She always thought the best of each person she met. She listened to each of us like there was no one else in the world at that moment. I didn't know why she ran everywhere and did everything she could -- until now.I am very grateful for everyone who shared their stories of Mary at the visitation on December 17th. It was so amazing to know that everyone loved Mary the way they did. How could anyone be so many person's best friend? And yet she did that. The folks at her church showed me where she sat for the services... it was in the back right corner of the room, where she could say "Hi" to everyone who came in.Mary will always be in my heart til I meet her again.