Mary A. Borner

Mary A. Borner, nee Sharkey, 90, died peacefully at home on September 12, 2025. Beloved wife of the late John "Jack" Borner. Mary Alicia was born in Lissergool, Tibohine, Ballaghadereen, Co. Roscommon, Ireland to Patrick Thomas and Mary Jane Sharkey.

Loving mother of Kenneth (Laura), Judy (Mario) Orlandi, and John CFD (Kathy). Cherished grandmother of Kyle, Matthew, Ryan (Taynah) Borner, and Natalie (Jack) Privateer; Max, Quinn (Kelly), Jack, and Leo Orlandi; Shannon, Mary Kate, and Brendan Borner. Dear sister of the late Dominick (Peggy), the late Agnes (Paddy) Flannery of Ireland, Jennie (the late Michael) O'Keefe, the late John (Bridie) of Ireland, Patrick "PT" (Sally), and Catherine (Patrick) Spelman of England. Sister-in-law of the late Frieda (Walter) Krueger. Favorite Aunt Mary to many nieces and nephews in Chicago, Ireland, and England. Dear cousin, friend and neighbor of many.

After growing up on a farm in Ireland with her parents and six siblings Mary immigrated to Chicago in 1953 at the age of 17 where she joined her older brother and sister. She quickly adjusted to city life working downtown as an office assistant. She met Jack Borner in 1957 at the West End Ballroom and they married in 1961. Following soon thereafter Ken, Judy and John were born. They resided on the west side of Chicago and were members of St. Angela and St. Peter Canisius parishes. The family moved to the northwest side in 1974 and joined St. Thecla parish where Mary was a member for over 45 years, actively involved in the parish community and making lifelong friends, which brought her great joy. While raising her family Mary worked in the hospitality industry with her longest tenure at O'Hare Marriott on Higgins Ave where she made many close friends. In 1997 Mary and Jack relocated to a smaller house in Park Ridge, IL. In 2001 Mary lost her beloved Jack to leukemia. She continued her career until her retirement in 2005 and resided in her Park Ridge home until her death.
Mary was devoted to her Catholic faith and a faithful servant of God who always put the needs of others before her own. She was kindhearted with boundless generosity, always donating to her favorite charities and anyone in need. She was a devoted and loving wife and wonderful mother, dearest sister, sister-in-law, aunt and grandmother, each of which brought her immense joy. She was a woman of great wisdom, a confidante to many, a master gardener, a gifted letter writer and everyone's best friend; a true class act! She built a legacy of love and family rooted in her faith.

Visitation Thursday, September 18, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Cooney Funeral Home, Heneghan-Suerth Directors, 625 Busse Hwy., Park Ridge. Funeral Friday, starting with prayers at 9:15 a.m. from the funeral home, proceeding to St. Paul of the Cross Church. Mass 10:00 a.m.. Livestream link for the mass located below. Interment graveside at All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials appreciated to the St. Patrick Fathers at stpatrickfathers.org or Mercy Home donate.mercyhome.org Information 773-631-1240 847-685-1002 cooneyfuneralhome.com