Mary Stuermer

Mary Joan Stuermer (nee Strauel), 88, of Lindenhurst, Illinois passed away peacefully in her home in Victory Lakes Continuing Care Community on Saturday, April 20th, 2024, surrounded by her family, friends, and loving caregivers. Born in Chicago, IL on September 30, 1935, she was the daughter of Edward and Helen (nee Kaufmann) Strauel. Mary was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan. Her mother taught her the value of taking a “self-care day” when in 1943 the first pitch of a game at Wrigley Field trumped a day at school. Mary dedicated her life to spreading the light of Christ through her actions and deeds. She found God everywhere, especially in the eyes of her children and grandchildren. Known for welcoming strangers to her home and fostering infants while raising her own seven children, she taught them the importance of generosity and care. Mary was effortlessly hilarious, silly, thoughtful, and made everyone around her feel part of something special. She was a career mother, loving grand- and great-grandmother, and a compassionate friend and neighbor. She shared cookies, kisses, and card games with her cherished twenty-two grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, leaving a legacy of selfless love and the strongest, most memorable hugs. She is survived by her seven children: Mary (Joe) Barbera of Ellicott City, MD, Scott (Heidi) Stuermer of New Port Richey, FL, Kathy (Brian) Jirak of Charlotte, NC, Pat (Tod) Kenney of Greenwood, SC, Janet (Gregg) Webber of Cumming, GA, Teresa (Scott) Beckman of Grayslake, IL, and Tom (Cheryl) Stuermer of Los Gatos, CA, her 22 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and a host of friends who were touched by her warmth and generosity. Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband Emil Frank of 66 years, her parents, and her four siblings. Mary will be deeply missed for her enduring love, charitable spirit, hospitality, creativity, sense of humor, and love of God. A special thanks to all the caregivers, staff, and administrators at Victory Lakes Continuing Care Community which Mary (and her deceased spouse Emil) regarded as the most cherished place of their worldwide travels! The family invites you to remember Mary at a visitation on Thursday, May 9th from 4 – 8 pm at Ringa Funeral Home at 122 S. Milwaukee Avenue, Lake Villa, IL 60046. Mary’s funeral is Friday, May 10th, at 10:00 am at Prince of Peace Catholic Church 135 S. Milwaukee Ave, Lake Villa, IL 60046. Please meet directly at church. Mass will be live-streamed at https://evt.live/mary-stuermer. Burial will be held privately. The family has asked for everyone to please wear a Christmas necklace to the services to honor Mary! In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Village at Victory Lakes, designation: Memory Support, Tribute gift: in memory of Mary and Emil Stuermer. https://franciscanministries.org/victory-lakes/donate/

Mary Stuermer

September 30, 1935 - April 20, 2024

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