Mary Tornabene Coleman

Mary Tornabene Coleman died peacefully, surrounded by family at home, on 9.20.24. Mary spent her life in service to others. After her parents passed away, by the time she was 21, Mary went on to be the caretaker for her siblings. Mary attended St. Mary’s of Notre Dame and graduated from Loyola University with the express purpose of teaching. Having impacted the lives of thousands of students, Mary was always grateful for and aware of the responsibility that lay within teaching. She never forgot a student’s name and always took time and care with each student she encountered. She either taught or was an administrator at Annunciation School, Drumpark School in Scotland, St. Rita of Cascia School, Jefferson Middle School, West Aurora High School and Aurora University. Mary was born at St. Charles Hospital in Aurora, IL. She lived in Aurora for the majority of her life with the exception of an extraordinary year spent teaching in Scotland. In Scotland, Mary made lifelong friends and continued to visit them along with our extended family throughout Scotland and England. Her trips to the UK and time spent with friends and family were always highlights of her years. Mary was an avid reader who loved traveling and attending the opera and symphony. She never missed an opportunity to cheer on her beloved University of Notre Dame football team. But, her favorite pastime was supporting her grandchildren, whether that was by attending a sports competition, play, or musical recital. Mary never missed an opportunity to be Alex, Viviann, Simone or Russell’s biggest cheerleader. She is survived by her husband, Lott, with whom she was married to for 51 years, and daughters, Felicia Brabec (David) and Christina Coleman. Mary was exceedingly proud of her grandchildren, Alex, 17, Viviann, 15, Simone, 9, and Russell, 8. She is survived by her brother, Vince Tornabene (Beth). She is preceded in death by her parents, Felix and Ann Tornabene, as well as siblings, Ann and Catherine. Funeral Mass for Mary will be on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 9:30am from THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY to Annunciation Church at 10:00am. Fr. Abbot Joel Rippinger, OSB will officiate with interment at Marywood Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 27, 2024 from 3:00pm until 7:00pm with a wake service at 6:00pm at THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 N. Lake St., Aurora, 630-631-5500. Please visit our website at www.daleidenmortuary.com where you may leave condolences for Mary’s family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Brain Tumor Association or Our Lady of Mount Carmel High School in Benque Viejo del Carmen, Belize.

Mary Tornabene Coleman

September 20, 1943 - September 20, 2024