Adrienne L. Garry

Adrienne Lois Garry peacefully passed away on Monday, October 6, 2025, leaving behind a legacy rooted in love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to her family. Ade proudly listed her occupation as Homemaker-a title she embraced fully, and one that perfectly captures the heart of who she was.
To Adrienne, homemaking wasn't just a role-it was a calling. She poured herself into creating a home where warmth, wisdom, and humor were always in abundant supply. Cooking was one of her many love languages. She viewed it not only as a way to feed the body but also to nourish the soul and honor heritage. Mealtimes in the Garry household were sacred: a time to share stories, offer guidance, raise a glass of wine, and-most importantly-laugh until it hurt. Though every dish was made with care and skill, it was her legendary spaghetti sauce that took top honors. And according to her grandchildren, no cookie will ever compare to Grandma Ade's. Family gatherings often had the delightful chaos of a three-ring circus-perhaps one of the many reasons Ade collected clowns. Her very first clown, she often joked, was her beloved husband, Tom "Twid" Garry. Theirs was a love story for the ages. After a serendipitous meeting at a bar in Chicago, Tom was so taken by Adrienne that he defied the odds to find her again. Kind, funny, and a devoted provider, he stole her heart-and on February 27, 1965, they married at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Chicago. He whisked her away from the city to Bancroft, Iowa, where she embraced small-town life with open arms and an open heart.
Born on September 12, 1942, in Chicago, IL, Adrienne was the cherished daughter of Victor and Jane (Czarnecki) Lucchesi. Her parents delighted in their determined and bright daughter, who attended Our Lady of Vilna Grade School and graduated as valedictorian from Maria High School in 1960. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Adrienne went on to earn a chemical engineering degree from the University of Illinois-a rare and remarkable accomplishment for a woman at the time.
In Bancroft, Ade became deeply involved in the community she called home. She was a charter member of the Bancroft Rotary and was a longtime advocate of the Bancroft Library serving on the Library Board for over a decade. In earlier years while her children were in school, she served as president of the St. John's School board, she was on St. John's Church Council, taught CCD, and was a member of the Altar Society. Ade was also a proud member of "The Club," a circle of dear friends who shared laughter, stories, and support. Known for her sharp wit, generous spirit, and fierce intelligence, Adrienne was most fulfilled when surrounded by those she loved. Her heart and home were always open, and she was never happier than when hosting a full table with a full heart.
Adrienne Garry found time to have five children which led to getting fourteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Kathleen (Gordon) Schiltz of Eagan, MN, Colleen Kennedy of Plymouth, MN, Victor (Tricia) Garry of Algona, Janeen (Michael) Tiedt of Readlyn, and Anthony (Julie) Garry of Lake Zurich, IL; Grandchildren: Samantha Schiltz, Thomas Schiltz, Raymond Kennedy, Megan (Taylor) Ashworth, Rachel Kennedy, Benjamin Kennedy, Alex (Jeff Joneson) Garrison, Madeline (fiancé Spencer Muhlbauer) Garry, Lucchesi "Luke" Garry, Elizabeth Tiedt, Andrew Tiedt, Isabella Garry, and Jack Garry. Great-grandchild, Zachary Garrison Joneson. She is also survived by brother-in-law, George (Beverly) Garry; and sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Garry and Janis Garry; many nieces, nephews and special cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom on June 1, 2024; her parents, Victor and Jane Lucchesi; her sister, Mary (in infancy); her parents-in-law, Thomas D. and Florence Garry; brothers-in-law: Richard (Phyllis) Garry, Patrick (Theresa) Garry and their daughter Margaret, Phil Garry, John "Jack" Garry; and sisters-in-law Louise Garry, Rose Eisele, and Alice (Walsh) Garry.
Ade's family would like to thank the many wonderful people who helped to take care of her in the last few years. We will forever be grateful to the people at Kossuth Regional Health Center, Homestead Assisted Living and Good Samaritan Society.
A funeral Mass for Adrienne will be held Monday, October 13, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Divine Mercy Parish ~ St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Bancroft with burial in the church cemetery. The funeral will be live streamed on the Divine Mercy Parish YouTube page. Visitation will be held Sunday, October 12, 2025, from 3 to 5 PM at Oakcrest Funeral Services of Bancroft. Memorials may be directed to her family and will be distributed to St. John's Catholic Church, the Bancroft Library, and the Bancroft Rotary, honoring Adrienne's dedication to her faith and community.
Our world is a little less bright without Adrienne Garry. But her light lives on in the family she loved, the lives she touched, and the home she so beautifully made.