Mary A. Dahl

Mary Dahl, age 100, of DeKalb, IL, passed away in her home on Monday, April 1. She leaves to cherish her beautiful memory, her adoring children: Kathleen, Patricia, (Rene Arcilla), James (Marilyn Wilson), the late Thomas, and Gerald (Sally). She was also the treasured grandmother of Patrick (Erin), and Margaret, and was predeceased by her parents, Patrick and Mary Conway, and her sister, Catherine Wagner. She is survived by nieces Mary Wagner and Nancy Caine, nephew Robert Wagner (Christine), grandnieces Lauren Savino (Matt), and Bridget Wagner, grandnephews James Caine, and Robert Wagner, Jr., also, Jennifer Booth, Damen Wilson, and Dawn Colonel. Mary was born on Chicago’s southside to Irish parents where she attended St. Rita’s grammar school and parish. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School, and was known as one of the “the Belles of St. Mary’s.” During her first job at the Burlington Railroad in Chicago, she met her future husband, Alex. A year after marriage, they moved to Aurora, IL, and raised 5 children who were born in 7 years. When asked in her last days what greatest joy was, she answered, “my children.” During her life, she witnessed the stock market crash, the Depression, World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam Wars, and the 60’s. She was a caregiver to her mother during the last 3 years of her mom’s life, and helped care for her grandchildren in their early years. As a mother of five children, she tolerated a lot: minibikes, car parts, cooking attempts, and various pets. Witty and funny, she became “mom” to a neighborhood boy whom she accepted as the “4th son.” Mary was a dedicated worker who always tried her best during her employment at Metropolitan Printing in Aurora, and the Aurora Public Library. Loved by many, her presence and influence always guided us to “do the right thing.” Even at the age of 100, our time with her seems too short, and she will live forever in our hearts. Always remembered, never forgotten…until we meet again. Memorial Visitation will be Saturday, April 6, 2024 from 10:00 AM until 12:30 PM at THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 North Lake Street, Aurora, Illinois. 630-631-5500. Memorial Mass will begin Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 180 S. Russell Avenue, Aurora. Inurnment will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Worth scheduled for a later date. Please visit our website at www.daleidenmortuary.com where you may leave condolences for Mary’s family.

Mary A. Dahl

August 2, 1923 - April 1, 2024