Mary Ann Catuara, 72 of Sun City, Huntley, passed away with her family and friends by her side on Monday, September 11, 2017.
She was born January 9, 1945 in Chicago, the daughter of Robert and Adelaide (Korzeniewski) Pelley. She graduated from Alvernia High School, Class of 1962. She raised her two beautiful daughters on the northwest side of Chicago while working at the Secretary of State, where she met the love of her life, Carl Catuara. Mary Ann and Carl were married in 1983 and enjoyed 14 wonderful years together before his passing in 1997. Mary Ann later worked as an administrative assistant for the Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and retired after over 30 years of service. Mary Ann made her move to Sun City, Huntley where she enjoyed her retirement living it up in the Del Webb community. She especially enjoyed time with her family, spending time with her grandchildren and attending their activities. She enjoyed tap dancing, tennis, bowling, golf and playing cards with her friends. Mary Ann will be greatly missed by all.
She is survived by her daughters, Valerie (Ronald) Larsen of Buffalo Grove, Lynne (Raymond) Morelli of Palatine, her grandchildren, Matthew, Hayley, Aidan, Kayla & Vincent, her brother, Harry Pelley of Bloomington, her brother in law, Paul (Mary) Catuara of Midlothian and her nieces, Jeannette (Dennis) Catuara-Howley and Jennifer Catuara. She was preceded in death by her brother, Ronald Pelley and her husband, Carl.
A memorial gathering will be held from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 15th at the DeFiore-Jorgensen Funeral & Cremation Service, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 16th at 10:00 a.m. and the family will greet friends after 9:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 10307 Dundee Road, Huntley. Burial will be at a later date in St. Adalbert Cemetery, Niles. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. For more information please call 847-515-8772 or online condolences can be directed to www.defiorejorgensen.com
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Dear Val, Lynne and families, I first met your mom in 2005 in Sun City when we both decided to take up tap dancing. The fun never stopped and we laughed at ourselves and others as we all struggled to remember our right foot from our left, learn all those steps and then perform to an audience of our peers. Talk about being scared, but we did it. She encouraged us all to keep our toes a tapping. Your mom had a smile and laugh that was contagious. She was kind, funny, loyal, gracious, adventurous, loving, generous. All her friends will use many of the same adjectives as we remember her fondly. My next adventure with her was taking tennis lessons. We both loved tennis and we were sure we would be playing in the senior Olympics one day. She was a fast learner and a great partner and opponent. Always fun to be on the court with her at the Sun City or Centregra. We had many fund tap parties and tennis parties and she will be missed by all of us. I loved her strength and courage as she battled cancer for so many years. I love that we can now celebrate her life knowing she is the hands of our Almighty God and Jesus Christ. My heart goes out to all the family with prayers and sympathy.
Dear Valerie, Lynn and all the family, There are no words to describe how I felt about your Mom (known to me as The Maniac). We spoke almost every day, especially the past months when things were really getting tough for her. She was a light in my life with all of her strength. I'll always remember the good times we shared, and there way too many to mention. It's funny, but because we talked so much, I probably know every intimate detail about all of your lives. Even though I only met Lynn, I do feel like I know all of you so well. She loved all of you so much, and those beautiful grandchildren were the light of her life. Her pride when she talked about all of you just shown. I will so miss our morning talks on the phone, and she always said "I Love You Queenie" before she hung up. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this very difficult time.
Lynn, so sorry for your loss. Stay strong and know she's in heaven and her suffering on earth has ended. Remeber one day you will be togrther again. Once again. So sorry .
Lynn, so sorry for your loss. Stay strong and know she's in heaven and her suffering on earth has ended. Remeber one day you will be togrther again. Once again. So sorry .
We will miss you Mary Ann, you had the biggest heart and personality! Prayers for love and support for your family.
Mary Ann kept her promises, showed caring and compassion to her large extended family, her good works will not be forgotten.
My deepest condolences to you .
Dear Val, Lynn & family. Your Mom was a great lady. She was full of love & energy. She was fun to be around & always made us laugh! We are all lucky that we had her in our lives & she was part of our extended family. She is now at peace and no longer suffering. She will be truly missed ????
Deepest Sympathy
Wonderful memories of her and our great trips together..our condolences.
My sincere and heart-felt condolences to family and friends alike. It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye through this message but I am somewhat consoled knowing Mary Ann is now at peace. Two things for sure, she will be missed and she will never be forgotten.
I am so very sorry for the loss of Mary Ann. She was/is a bright and shining light and shall remain so always in my memory. My condolences to her family and all who loved her. God Bless Mary Ann and all.
Dear Lynne, Valerie and family, Words seem inadequate to express the sadness I feel for the loss of Mary Ann. May her spirit and beauty live on in your memories and bring you peace. I will forever treasure the great memories I have of the times we shared. Hugs to you all.
Dear Val, Lynne, families and friends, We are saddened by the loss of our dear cousin Mary Ann. Our Mother, Mary Jo Odahowski had a beloved relationship with her niece Mary Ann. We will always remember Mary Ann for her infectious smile, joyful laughter and good looks which was characteristic of the Korzeniewski women. Mary Ann was our babysitter in the early 1960’s. Mary Ann would not allow my brother Mitchell and I to sword fight with broom sticks while she was watching us. In order to straighten out this matter I called the telephone operator and asked for the police to come over to the house. The operator immediately called Mary Ann to report what I had done. I got into so much trouble – more than 10 Hail Mary’s and 10 Our Father’s troubles! Years later this would become one of our legendary family stories at birthdays, baptisms or summertime celebrations in Lake Geneva. God Bless You Mary Ann. William and Mary Jo Odahowski; and David, Marga, Mitchell, Katherine and Kristine Odahowski
Your friendship gave me great joy. You fought so hard to beat cancer. I miss you and your great laugh. I will have a Cosmo in your honor. Love, sue
Lynne, Val and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember your beautiful Mom from many years ago, take comfort in all you shared together and that she is resting peacefully and pain free! She will forever be watching over all who loved her❤️ ???????? Love you cuz
Our lives are forever changed. Mary Ann was a Jewel. She was vibrant, fun-loving, caring , loyal and so much more. My Dear Friend you will be so very missed. Words cannot describe the sorrow we feel. My families hearts are with you and your families. We have a beautiful angel above watching over us. RIP Dearest Friend. Valerie and Lynne - Wishing peace and loving memories and may our friendship and love comfort you and your families. Prayers and love to all.
Dear Lynn and Ray, Our deepest condolences to you and your family. With Love, Mike and Tania
My sympathy and love, Valerie, Lynne, grandchildren, sons-in-law, and more family and friends!!! What glorious and special memories you have of Mary Ann--how you will miss this incredible, beautiful inside and out, sweet, caring, fun, generous, inspiring, and amazing person!!! I'm sure that she has reunited with, loved, and organized many in heaven--just as she took care of and loved many here!!!