Mary Behrendt

Mary Katherine ("Katy") Behrendt (née Nosko) died on April 20, 2025 at her home in Morton
Grove, IL at the age of 73.
Mary was born on January 13, 1952 in Gary, IN to Virginia M. Nosko (née Clover; died Wilder)
and Louis V. Nosko. She spent her most treasured childhood years growing up in Glenwood, IA,
particularly in the company of her beloved grandfather, Clark Clover. She and her family moved
to Chicago, IL where she attended Roosevelt High School. She graduated from Northeastern
Illinois University with a degree in political science and a lifelong interest in Chinese history. At
NEIU she met Thomas Behrendt and they married in 1976.
Mary had a long and accomplished career of civil service as a federal employee, first with the
Social Security Administration and later with the General Services Administration. She was a
Steward of the National Federation of Federal Employees Local 739 for many years and
remained active in the union despite her retirement in 2018 after 42 years in "the Gov."
As a mother of three, Mary was vigilant, proud, and supportive. She instilled in her children a
deep appreciation for art, learning, and empathetic citizenship.
Mary was committed to service in many realms of life, distinguishing herself as a scoutmaster,
PTA member and, along with Thomas, serving many years on the board of the Maine East
Band Boosters. She was a capable draftswoman, painter, and ceramicist; a teller of tales and
connoisseur of puns; a long-suffering but faithful fan of the White Sox; an enthusiastic traveler,
visiting all 50 states and beyond.
Mary was preceded in death by her father (1952), mother (1997), and brother Joseph A. Nosko
(2015). She is survived by her husband,Thomas; her sister Jeanine (Joseph) Logan (née
Nosko); her children Andrew (Lucy), Amy, and Angela (Shawn); her grandson, Louis; and her
nieces and nephews Elizabeth, Timothy, Hallie, Michael, and Joseph.
A memorial service will be held at Colonial-Wojciechowski Funeral Home 8025 W. Golf Rd. (1/2 mile East of Milwaukee Ave.) Niles, IL. on June 7 from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm.