Maria M. Bako

Maria Bako (nee Barna), age 75, entered into eternal peace after a brief illness on Saturday, July 15th, 2023 in Libertyville, Illinois with her family by her side. Maria was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Gabriel, and her parents, István & Maria Barna (nee Tilly). She leaves her loving memories to be cherished by her children: Thomas Bako (Lisa), Gabriel Bako (Jeni), Steven Bako (Serena), Christina (Patrick) O'Connell; her grandchildren, Christian, Gabby, Sam, Matthew, Libby, Luke, and Erica; her brother Frank Barna, nieces and goddaughter, Helen DeRam, Nancy Rusnak, Jennifer Barna; cousin, Julianna Reiner-Sturgis; and nephew, Gabriel Bako (Melanie) of Winnipeg, Canada, in addition to her beloved family members residing in Hungary. Born in Gyor, she emigrated to Chicago as a refugee of the Hungarian revolution of 1956. After settling in Evanston, she and her parents were very active in the Chicago Hungarian community during those early years. The love of her motherland never wavered, and she instilled this history, culture, and tradition in her children as part of her legacy. In 1968, she married the love of her life. Marika & Gabor were true soulmates and devoted their lives to their children, family, and community. Maria worked for many years as a medical office manager (for an O.B., of course, because she loved babies). Her greatest joy was to be surrounded by her grandchildren. She will be remembered as a true matriarch, great friend, caregiver, and mother to all. For those who knew her, she was a witty woman of the world, fabulous cook, sharp as a tack, and the classiest of ladies with her signature bouffant hairdo.
Visitation will be held at McMurrough Funeral Chapel on Friday, July 28th from 4:00-8:00pm. A funeral mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Libertyville, IL on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Ascension Catholic Cemetery in Libertyville, IL. Memorial donations may be made to Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.
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