Mary Jane Geary

Visitation for Mary Jane Geary (nee Suminski), 101, a resident of Palatine for 55 years, will be held on Friday, July 15, 2022 from 10:00a.m. until the time of the Funeral Mass at 11:00a.m. at St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 1201 E. Anderson Drive, Palatine. The Interment will be held privately.

Mary Jane passed away peacefully on July 9, 2022, in the comfort of her home. She was born on October 20, 1920, in Milwaukee, WI to Paul and Mary Ann (Dobrogowski) Suminski, the youngest of eight children.

Mary Jane grew up in Milwaukee, and felt a strong connection to her East Side, Polish roots. Her childhood was filled with the love and laughter of a large extended family. She married Don in 1954, and it was the best decision he ever made! Mary Jane and Don were loving and supportive parents to their children Mimi (Jim) Malesky, Margie (Terry) McAndrew, Pete (Caroline), and Sue (Rob) VanBladel.  She was the most beloved Grandma of Allison (Josh) Ball, Lizzy Malesky, Matt McAndrew, Cait (fiancé Shaun Frankow) McAndrew, Sarah and Olivia Geary, and Monica and Joe VanBladel. In addition to her immediate family, Mary Jane is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Mary Jane and Don made sure their home was a welcome place for all. Following Don’s death in 1982, Mary Jane’s home continued to be a gathering place for her growing family, offering love, laughter, comfort, and sound advice, always accompanied by a homemade dessert. Her recent years were filled with the joy of her great grandchildren, Aubrey and Carter Ball.  Mary Jane spent her early career working as a secretary in Milwaukee, and later in life at Honeywell in Arlington Heights. Mary Jane was a deeply spiritual person and lived her faith every day. She was an active member of St. Thomas of Villanova Church, where she made many life-long friends. Mary Jane was a great baker, lover of crosswords, and, in recent years, an avid iPad user. Her children will miss her random FaceTime calls and disappearing text messages. She will be best remembered for her gentle, loving nature, sense of humor and great love of family.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Mary Jane by performing a random act of kindness.