Mary Lee Jennings
Mary Lee Jennings passed away peacefully at Hitz Memorial Home, Alhambra, IL on May 25, 2024 at the age of 92 . She was born in Chicago, IL on February 23, 1932. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wilfred Jennings, and her two sons, Anthony Jennings and Jerome Jennings. Mary is lovingly remembered by her daughter, MaryAnn Schuermann (Michael), and three sons, William Jennings (Patricia), Christopher Jennings (Susan), and David Jennings (Linda). She was a beloved grandmother and great-grandmother to Katie Boudreau (Paul), Lee Schuermann (Dana), Anna Kelley (Anthony), Thomas Jennings (Alyssa), Sarah Jennings (Kevin Moore), Elizabeth Jennings, Ryan Boudreau, Cassidy Boudreau, Addyson Kelley, Anthony Kelley and Andrea Kelley. Mary was a dear sister to Shirley Hines, Kathy Gross, Rita Forneris, Betty Bucher and had many beloved nieces and nephews.
Mary grew up in Staunton, IL. Upon graduating high school, Mary relocated to St. Louis where she began her career working for the Federal Bureau of Investigations as a secretary. She testified for the FBI during the infamous Greenlease Kidnapping trial. Mary left the FBI after marrying Wilfred Jennings on Thanksgiving in 1955. She raised six children, enjoyed bowling, the St. Louis Cardinals, and St. Louis football. Mary was active in her church, always had food on the table, and loved nothing more than spending time with her family.
Visitation will take place on June 11, 2024 at 11 am and Mass will begin at 12pm at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Staunton, IL. A Luncheon will follow Mass at the Church. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Hitz Memorial Home, Alhambra, IL.
Sorry for loss. Mary was a very special lady. She will be missed by everyone that knew her.
I hate to hear this but I will always love Mary like a second Mom. I love that she always lived her best life serving others. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
I always enjoyed time with Aunt Mary. She was a lovely, kind person. She spent her life caring for others. She had a deep faith and she never complained about the crosses & trials in her life. Aunt Mary was a positive person who always seemed to be in a good mood. She was fun to talk to & spend time with.
Mary Lee Jennings, in peaceful rest,
A life well-lived, she was truly blessed.
Born in Chicago, in ‘32 she came,
To a world she would brighten with her name.
In Staunton’s heart, she grew up strong,
A childhood where she found her song.
Then to St. Louis, her path did lead,
To the FBI, where she served with speed.
In love, she wed on Thanksgiving’s day,
With Wilfred by her side, they found their way.
Six children brought joy, her legacy clear,
In each smile and tear, she held dear.
Love is immortality, love is one,
In Mary’s life, this truth was spun.
Love is the whole, an endless sea,
In her embrace, we all felt free.
Though she’s gone from sight, she remains near,
Her spirit, her laugh, forever here.
Cherished memories, love surround,
In family ties, strength is found.
Bowling alleys and Cardinals’ cheers,
Through joys and sorrows, across the years.
Her booming voice in church’s grace,
A reflection of her warm embrace.
Grief never ends, it changes form,
A passage we endure, though hearts are worn.
Not weakness, nor a lack of faith,
But the price of love, in its sacred wraith.
So may her memory eternal be,
In each kind act, in love’s decree.
Mary Lee Jennings, rest in peace,
Your love in our hearts will never cease.
May the cherished memories of your Mother and the love of family surround you at this time and give you strength in the days ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you to assuage the grief of our family, for grief never ends—it changes. It’s a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith—it’s the price of love. May the memory of your Mother be eternal.