Mary Ann Hagmeyer Guenzler

1931 - 2023

Mary Ann Hagmeyer Guenzler, age 91, a resident of Aurora, IL and a former longtime resident of Palos Heights, IL, and Joliet, IL, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2023, at the Brookdale Lisle Skilled Nursing Center in Lisle, IL. She was born on October 8, 1931 in Quincy, IL. Mary Ann was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 68 years, Robert Guenzler and she is survived by her loving daughters, Susan (Herb) Getz, Marsha (Randy Stevens) Guenzler-Stevens, and Pamela (Wayne) DeBoer; her cherished grandchildren, Allison (Dave) Caldwell, Ashley (John) Boumgarden, A.J. (Leeza Papalanis) Getz, Katherine Getz, Amy DeBoer, Matthew (Whitney) DeBoer; and great-grandchildren, Helena and Ingrid Boumgarden, and Margot Caldwell. She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Hazel Hagmeyer. Mary Ann graduated from Joliet Central High School in 1949 where she met her future husband, Bob. She received her Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Illinois Wesleyan University and used her degree in her first job as a social worker with the Girl Scouts of America. Mary Ann and Bob were married in 1953 and one month later Bob was drafted into the U.S. Army. Mary Ann spent most of her professional career as an educator in District 218 in the south suburbs of Chicago where she was a permanent substitute teacher. An active member in the Illinois League of Women Voters, Mary Ann would go on to serve as Vice President of the Board and to be awarded the Carrie Chapman Catt Award for her exceptional contributions. Mary Ann was an outstanding musician, playing organ and piano at Palos United Methodist Church for over 20 years. Her community engagement also included leading Girl Scout troops and serving on the Council for Illinois Wesleyan University Women. She did all of this while waging a 45-year battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Undaunted by the physical challenges, Mary Ann registered voters, traveled with beloved friends, and served on the library board at Grace United Methodist Church in Naperville where she was an active member. Mary Ann and Bob were awarded the Alumni Loyalty Award from Illinois Wesleyan in 1998. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation between 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. at Grace United Methodist Church, 300 E. Gartner Rd., Naperville. Memorial donations may be directed to the Grace United Methodist Church Foundation. Inurnment will be at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood at a later date. Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Naperville was entrusted with arrangements. For information, please call 630-355-0213 or visit www.friedrich-jones.com.