Mary Dunlop

Mary Dunlop passed away at her home in Geneva on Friday, September 14, 2007. Mary was 71 years young and leaves behind her husband, Winton Dunlop; her two sons, Thomas (Marcy) Dunlop of Geneva, Timothy (Sue) Dunlop of Geneva. Five grandchildren, Taryn, Kelley, Matthew, Kevin and Jordan. Four sisters, Georgene Cook of West Chicago, Arlene Pedersen of Yorkville, Lillie Bahr of West Chicago and Victoria Spoden of Aurora. Also her sister-in-law, Cora Heinz of Lombard.

Mary was preceded in death by her brother, Leonard Heinz; sister, Pauline Synder; father, George Heinz; mother, Bertha Heinz Laschober; and step father, Andrew Laschober.

Mary was born in West Chicago on May 26, 1936. She attended St. Mary's Grade School in West Chicago and attended West Chicago High School until her junior year. While at West Chicago she was a top student and voted by her class to be a cheerleader. Her family moved to Geneva in 1952. She graduated from Geneva High School in 1954 and was salutatorian of her class. She was offered a scholarship for Catherine Gibbs Business College but was unable to accept it.

Mary worked several jobs during her life. She experienced working at a pickle factory, the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, and as a waitress at the House of Plenty restaurant in Sugar Grove. Eventually, Mary began her career in banking which would span over three decades. Mary retired from DuPage National Bank in 1999 and held the position of Vice President at the time of her retirement. During her years at DuPage National, Mary forged many strong relationships and helped countless people from the area.

Mary and Win were blessed with being able to travel during their retirement. They traveled to many different locations but loved Destin, Florida and Key West the best. A perfect day was a walk on the beach, searching for seashells, striking a few golf balls, and enjoying a cup of Starbucks coffee.

Mary and Win began golfing after their retirement and became regulars at the Valley Green golf course in North Aurora. Over time, they have amassed a quantity of golf clubs that rival any golf store in the area. Treasure hunting at garage sales was another hobby and Mary will always be envied by her sons for her ability to find treasures at garage sales. Mary loved her Starbucks in the morning. During the winter months, Mary and Win would turn into snowbirds and visit Destin, Florida. This became their home away from home and family and friends were always welcome to come and stay with them.

A devoted mother and grandmother, Mary was a fixture at soccer, baseball, basketball, and football games as well as various school events. She had unlimited patience with her children and always put her kid's needs ahead of her own. Mary loved plants and gardens and was born with a green thumb. She transformed her yard into a beautiful array of colors for every season.

Nicknamed "The White Tornado" by Win, Mary was an incredibly hard worker who seemed to do most everything at a frenetic pace. There was no stopping her when she had her mind set to accomplish a task. She will be remembered always by those who knew her as a person of honesty, integrity, tireless work and devotion to family and friends. Mary never asked for help but always gave it freely. She was loved and will be missed and remembered.

Funeral Mass will be 10:00 AM Thursday at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Geneva. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery, Geneva. Visitation will be held from 4-8:00 PM Wednesday at the Yurs Wittenberg Funeral Home, 1771 W. State St. (RTE 38), Geneva, IL. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Fox Valley Hospice. For more info call 630-232-7337.