Mary C. McDermand

Mary McDermand, 86, of Lake Bluff, Illinois passed away peacefully on May 24, 2023. Mary was the daughter of the late John Carney and Bernice (Rylko) Carney. She is survived by her sisters, Pat Castner (the late Don) and Carol Shyken (Robbie). Preceded in death by her husband of 54 years Chuck McDermand. Mary is alsosurvived by her sons, Matt (Trisha) McDermand and Mike (Teya) McDermand, and daughter-in-law Patrice McDermand. She was preceded in death by her son, Chris McDermand. She was a proud grandmother to Sara (David) Covert, David (Sylvie) McDermand, Nick (Sara) McDermand, Chris McDermand, Devin (Sara) McDermand, Alex McDermand, and Ryan McDermand. Mary was also honored to be a great-grandmother to Chloe and John Covert as well as Finn and Archer McDermand.

Mary grew up in Lombard, IL and attended York High School. After high school, she attended Illinois State University, where she met her husband, Chuck. Mary taught Kindergarten and Sunday School until she had her first child in 1962, where she
transitioned into a stay-at-home mom. She became a cub scout leader for her sons, and stayed involved with the Boy Scouts, serving a total of 40 years, earning the Silver Eagle award for her service.

Mary became an avid golfer, and played on the ladies’ golf league at Lake Bluff Golf Club, where her husband, Chuck, was the golf pro. She also loved sewing and crafts. We will all cherish our handmade Christmas ornaments for years to come. Many of
her son’s teachers appreciated their end of year rum cakes, and we will all miss our annual shipment of Christmas cookies.

After retirement, Mary and Chuck spent winters in Palm Desert, CA, where she became involved with Desert Friends of John Tracy Clinic, an organization with a mission of providing parent centered services to young children with hearing loss.

Mary never met a stranger, and could strike up a conversation with anyone. She was always happy and kind, and was loved and will be missed dearly by her friends and family.

A small Memorial will be held at The First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest at a date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the John Tracy Clinic, at https://www.jtc.org/

Arrangements entrusted to: Chicagoland Cremation Options of Schiller Park, IL