Mary Elizabeth (Klocek) Gillis, 72

Mary Elizabeth (Klocek) Gillis, was residing in Huntley, Illinois and passed away peacefully on May 24, 2025 at the age of 72. Born in Woodstock, Illinois, Mary lived a life full of love, strength, and unwavering devotion to her family.

Mary is survived by her seven beloved children and grandchildren, daughter, Theresa Francis (Gillis) HarriSon and husband: Timothy Edward HarriSon Jr. and their children, Timothy Edward HarriSon III, Amelia Ann HarriSon, Vivian Rose HarriSon and Scarlett Elizabeth HarriSon; son, Vincent Adam Gillis; daughter, Anna Marie (Gillis) Zuchora and husband John Zuchora. And their children, Peyton Julian Zuchora, Harper John Zuchora, and Emersyn Grace Zuchora; son, Michael Scott Gillis and his wife Kimberly Ann Weybrecht-Gillis; daughter, Samantha Christine Gillis and her children, Camron Scott Gillis and Octavia Elizabeth Jean Gillis-Kohl; daughter, Denise Nicole (Gillis) Prochaska and her husband Daniel David Prochaska Jr.; daughter, Karen Renee Gillis and her fiancé Christopher Gregory Parsons.

Mary is also survived by her two brothers and four sisters: Brother: James Klocek (Cathleen Klocek) Brother: Peter Klocek (Barbara Klocek) Sister: Jane Wolf (Kenneth Wolf) Sister: Theresa White (Jeffrey White) Sister: Carol Wagner (Raymond Wagner) Sister: Stasia Knox (David Knox) As well as countless nieces and nephews, and many dear friends and family, whom will always love her deeply and keep her memory alive.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Dorothy Klocek; and a sister, Frances Klocek.

Mary was a mother with the biggest heart. She taught her children the meaning of kindness, strength, compassion, and unconditional love. Her presence was a blessing and the greatest gift to everyone who knew her. Despite facing numerous health challenges, including an aneurysm and heart complications, Mary remained resilient and full of life. She was a fighter! Prior to her downfalls she loved life by loving on her grand babies and taking them to the park, dancing in the kitchen to her favorite songs like Billy Joel, drinking her Diet Coke and having her smoke while talking on the phone for hours. Mary would take many trips with her children from Illinois to Kansas where she resided in both, where some incredible unforgettable memories were made. She was so beautiful, and would talk to you for hours. She had an amazing sense of humor mixed with sarcasm and would tell you exactly how it is.

Despite going through so much, Mary stayed determined to recover while finding joy in spending time with her family. Whether she was watching her favorite shows like Blue Bloods and Bar Rescue, or offering comforting advice. She had a way of making everyone feel safe and loved.

She loved the outdoors, solving sudoku puzzles, and enjoying a steak dinner at Outback. She loved going on road trips while listening to her tunes, dancing and singing along. She could almost always be found daily in the Bingo Hall or chatting about leading Bible study. Her favorite flower was the pink tulip, a symbol of affection that reflects her beautifully. To honor her, her family will surround her with pink tulips as a reminder of her presence and warmth.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Schneider Leucht Merwin Cooney Funeral Home 1211 N. Seminary Avenue, Woodstock. The Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, May 30, 2025 at 1:00 pm at St. Mary Catholic Church 312 Lincoln Avenue, Woodstock. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Woodstock.

In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to the family.

For more information, contact the Schneider-Leucht-Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home at 815-338-1710 or visit www.slmcfh.com.