Mary Patricia Grach

Mary Patricia Grach (nee Raible) age 85 peacefully passed away with her family beside her Oct.27, on her 63rd wedding anniversary. Mary was born in St. Charles Sep. 25, 1940 to John A. and Mary C. Raible (nee Costello). She attended Mt. St. Mary Academy and was a life-long athlete excelling at having fun, swimming, track (hurdles especially), tennis, archery, golf, bowling and bicycling (her freedom machine). She met and married Leo, her loving husband in 1962 and became a full-time Mom serving also, as a Cub Scout and Webelos Den Mother for sons, and again for a grandson. She loved her flower gardening. She tent camped with her family through 48 states. After raising her family, she earned her Nursing Degree in 1982 and served as a Neuro Nurse at U of I Hospital in Chicago, retiring in 1989 to help raise a grandchild, camping the 48 states again. She visited Hawaii with Leo, driving over the high trails of Maui, as well as a trip to the Virgin Islands.
She relied on her athleticism and competitiveness to recover from the batterings of auto accidents with associated complications and life's other harsh dealings. She fought back to health again and again, maintaining a positive attitude in spite of almost constant pain, setting an example of perseverance and faith for all the family. Until that final time when her spirit was set free.
Mary is survived by her loving husband, Leo, daughter Catherine M. Waters, sons Leo G. and Michael A with Sandra nee Thomas, Grand daughters, Ashley Grach and Trishia Byrnes, Grandsons, Apollo Grach, Ryan Byrnes with Alyssa nee Sparks, Zachary Brynes and Bradley Brynes. Great grand children Westley, Beatrice and Eleo Brynes.
Mary was preceded in passing by her parents, her daughter Jeni Wagner, her grandson Joseph Grach and her sister Rita Bouska. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 pm Nov. 6 at Beidelman-Kunsch Funeral Home 516 S. Washington St., Naperville and Funeral Mass at 11 am at SSt. Peter and Paul Family Chapel 11 am Friday Nov 7.