Mary Thonn
Mary Thonn, age 76, of Western Springs, passed away peacefully on August 5th, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Beloved wife of William “Bill”; loving mother of Laura Thonn (Scott Sallee) and Karen Bloomfield (Matt); cherished grandmother of Cohen and Sienna Bloomfield; devoted sister of Diane; fond aunt and friend of many.
Mary grew up in La Grange and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Illinois, where she met her husband, Bill. Married for 54 years, they made their home and raised their family in Western Springs for nearly 50 years.
She adored her husband and true partner, Bill, spending years building a family, a home, and enjoying many travel adventures. Above all, Mary cherished her family. The family bond was most important to her. For many of her family she will always remain the standard to which they hold themselves.
She adored her grandchildren, and had no greater joy than spending time with them and supporting their activities.
Never one for the spotlight, she gave so much to her community, and was proudest of being on the committee that founded the St. John of the Cross Teachers Recognition Trust, watching it flourish for the past 35 years.
Among the things she loved: dogs, her lists and the Cubs (which speaks to her hopeful persistence).
Mary was an amazing friend, and those friendships were so cherished by her. She was the first person to send a card (usually a funny one), and always so thoughtful to her many friends who were like family.
A testament to her enduring spirit, Mary always had the right words when it seemed there were none, and could go months without seeing you and remember and ask about the things that were happening in your life.
A beautiful example of someone who accepted the end with such grace and peace and clarity … in the end she was still teaching others.
Preceded in death by Mother, Lucy, Dad, Leo, and brother, Jack.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Pillars Community Health are greatly appreciated.
A celebration of life is planned for Friday, August 22, 2025 at St. John of the Cross in Western Springs, Illinois at 11am (doors open at 10am). Additional Information: 708-352-6500.
Dear Bill, Laura, Karen, & Family,
I am so sorry for your loss and so grateful to have had Mary in my life. She has been a guiding light to me throughout the years — a beloved aunt, godmother, advisor, and confidante — and one of the smartest, strongest, and most generous people I’ve known. Thank l you for sharing her with me. Love, Heather
I am so saddened to hear of the loss of this truly beautiful, inside and out woman. Mary was an inspiration we had many wonderful conversations, while I did her hair for the last 30 some years. I will never forget you Mary. To Bill, Laura, Karen, and extended family, how Lucky you were to have her. My condolences Juanita Garza
God Bless. May she RIP.
Dear Bill, Laura, and Karen we extend our sympathy to all of you on your loss. Know that we will keep you in our prayers. Your mother was always so very kind and generous to my son, Brian, throughout grade school and high school. May time heal your grief. Marilyn and Guy Vorsanger
Bill:
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss.
We hold you and your family in our prayers
Dear Bill, Karen, and Laura,
I am SO sorry to learn of Mary’s passing. Growing up our families were ALWAYS together. Ten years older and my second cousin, I looked up to Mary and wanted to be like her. She was such a beautiful person, inside and out, so kind and compassionate. The world was a better place with her in it. My mother, Shirley, died at 76 also. Girls, I understand the depth of your grieving at losing your mother so young. You are in my prayers that the Lord will comfort you. I will miss Mary’s beautiful Christmas cards of all of you that I received faithfully every year. It helped me feel close and connected to family, all of you, through the years. God bless you all.
I am so saddened to hear of the passing of Mary. As a child I so enjoyed and admired both Mary and Jackie. They were both so very kind and caring to me. I remember that she always spoke so proudly of her family. Mary you were a compassionate and classy role model to me. You unknowingly were an inspiration of the type of person I aspired to be. Rest in peace.
Dear Karen and Family,
May you find comfort in the warm memories and supportive friends and family. Sending you all thoughts and prayers.
Dear Bill and family,
My deepest condolences. I’m so sorry. Mary was always so happy and kind. She and you will be in
my prayers..
To the extended Thonn family please accept my deepest condolences. I came to know Mary late but realized immediately how wonderful she was. My family was a big benefactor of her love and commitment and a guiding light to what a person should be. I am devastated by the news but realize that many people will keep her indelible mark going. Miss you Mary so much