Mary Susan O'Donnell

Mary Susan "Susie" O'Donnell, 72, of Roscoe passed away Monday, September 4, 2023.  Mary was born in Aurora, IL on June 3, 1951 to Robert and Louise Grabow.  She married James O’Donnell on September 27, 1975 at Holy Angels Catholic Church.  She graduated from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL in May with a BS in Education and a Minor in Mathematics in 1973. She also received her MS in Education in 1980 from NIU. During her years at NIU, Mary was a dedicated member of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority. She remained active with their Alumnae Chapter for over 50 years and regularly gathered with her sorority sisters, the Alpha Luv Club.

Mary worked as an early childhood teacher at Fairgrounds in Rockford, IL until 1980. After taking a hiatus to raise her two young children, Mary returned to the classroom as a substitute teacher in the Kinnikinnick School District, spending most of her time at Ledgewood as a long-term sub working tirelessly for the students and teachers she adored.  She was an avid sports fan and was passionate about Illini football and basketball and White Sox baseball. She was a devout parishioner of Holy Family Catholic Church for over 40 years. More than anything, Mary loved being a grandma and would always say yes to a game of Sorry or working on a puzzle with her 3 grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, James O’Donnell; children, Monica (Mark) Schmalz and Mark O’Donnell; grandchildren, Tanner, Jameslie and Taysom Schmalz; sister, Judith (William) Wolfe; nieces, Cori (Wesley) Daniels, Jami (Jordan) Smallwood and Jennifer (Bradley) Loughmiller; nephews, Matthew (Ali) Wolfe, Jeffrey (Brittaney) Wolfe and Timothy (Brynn) O’Donnell;  and countless great-nieces and great-nephews.  Predeceased by her parents and nephew, Robert Wolfe.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00am with a visitation from 9:00am until the mass on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 in Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Road, Rockford, IL 61107.  Visitation will be on Monday, September 11, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm in Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory-Roscoe Chapel, 11342 Main Street, Roscoe, IL 61073.  Burial in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Aurora, IL.

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