Dr. Mary K. McClure Ed.D.

Dr. Mary K. McClure Ed.D. (nee Klimek), 69, of North Barrington was born on July 6, 1955, to Edmund and Loretta Klimek. She passed away on Friday, September 20, 2024, at Alexian Brothers Hospice, Elk Grove Village after a courageous battle against cancer. Mary never let the disease dampen her spirits and endured many surgeries and treatments with a positive outlook. 

Mary was the loving mother of John McClure; dear sister of Kristin Klimek, John (Tracy) Klimek; fond aunt of Matthew Schreiner, Christopher Klimek and Carli (Stephen Page) Klimek. She is also survived by her step son, Sean McClure, her longtime friend, Jean Morris and many close friends and coworkers.

After graduating from The University of Illinois with a Master’s Degree in Accounting and earning her CPA, she began her career in public accounting. She moved to Rust-Oleum Corporation where she held many roles over 15+ years and served as a model for women in business and management. She ended her accounting career in private equity as a leader in company reorganization and profitability improvement.

Mary’s passion for learning couldn’t be exhausted as she returned to academia and earned her doctorate in counselor education. As a professor of addiction studies at Governors State University, and later Roosevelt University, she relished the impact she was able to make on her students both as teacher and mentor. She worked closely with her peers to develop curriculum, write grant proposals, and as an active member of the professional community she engaged in knowledge sharing through clinical presentations.

Mary never shied away from gathering with people, she was a generous hostess, always had room for one more and shared interesting conversations. She will be missed by all those who enjoyed her company.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials will be appreciated to the American Lung Association.

A Celebration of Life Luncheon for Mary will be held on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at 11:45 AM at Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano, 20560 N Rand Rd, Deer Park, IL 60010.