Mary M. Hirsch

Mary M. Hirsch, age 82, of St Charles, passed away Tuesday November 23, 2021 at home with her loving family by her side.

She was born September 10, 1939, in Chicago, the daughter of Milton and Edith (Aughinbaugh) Hirsch.

Mary was the first born of five children and grew up in Chicago and the Harwood Heights area.  She attended Forman High School, and Chicago Teachers College.  She gained a degree in Education and taught in several Chicago area elementary schools, before gaining her credentials to teach Deaf and Hard of Hearing students.  She then began a 31-year teaching career at the Special Education District of Lake County (SEDOL) as an Itinerant teacher for students who are Deaf.  She became a lead teacher and freely shared her deep knowledge with beginning teachers, becoming a mentor to many.  When Mary retired from teaching, she became a CASA volunteer and worked to better the lives of children who experienced trauma.

Mary also became deeply involved in the Mini’s community, building tiny creations of all kinds.  Mary was very artistic and enjoyed creating these tiny treasures with her Mini clubs and friends. She used her creative talents as a seamstress and made clothes for herself and her children and grandchildren.  Including a wedding dress for a daughter.

Mary also was an avid reader and enjoyed sharing her thoughts at book club.  She was a member of Questors and enjoyed researching and sharing topics of interest with club members.

Mary was very active in the Carriage Oaks community, sharing Sunday services, book club, and activities.  Mary was a fierce competitor in the monthly trivia challenges, and often won the “wise owl” that she proudly displayed outside her door. 

She is survived by her beloved children Carolyn (Rudy) Viereckl of Batavia, Karen (Craig) Maladra of Geneva, and Peggy Kish of Batavia; grandchildren Ashlei (Marc) Mosher, RJ Viereckl, Jacob and David (Brittany) Maladra, and Jacob and Elizabeth Kish; great grandchildren Tenley, Carter, and Declan; beloved nieces Theresa (Allan) Donely and Jamie Pantelis; brothers Milton, “Mickey” (Pam) and David (Ann) Hirsch; and additional dear nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her cherished son Richard (Ricky) Kish, beloved husband James “Jimmy” Mentele, her sisters Betty Mae Still and Edith Jane Pantelis, and her parents Milton and Edith Hirsch.

A visitation for Mary will be held Friday, July 1, 2022 from 9:00 am until the time of her memorial service at 11:00 am at Malone Funeral Home, 324 E. State Street, Geneva.

Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Geneva.

In lieu of flowers, we request memorials be sent to The Jacki Marcus Memorial Scholarship Fund.  A fund set up to further the educational goals of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students, under the auspices of the Illinois Teachers of Deaf/Hard of Hearing at 139 Caldwell, Jacksonville, IL 62650, attention Autumn Bruere.

Mary will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Arrangements handled by Malone Funeral Home in Geneva.  For information 630-232-8233 or www.malonefh.com.

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