Mary A. Sherman

Mary Sherman (formerly Watrous), born Mary Ann Rickert on February 13, 1949, in Elgin, IL, passed away peacefully at home in Gilberts on November 2, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and friends.
Mary was the daughter of the late George and Norma Rickert. She grew up in Elgin and graduated from St. Edward High School in 1967, later earning her nursing degree from Copley Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in 1970 and her Bachelor's from the University of St. Francis in 1993. A Registered Nurse, Mary dedicated nearly five decades to caring for others before retiring in 2018. During her long and varied career, she also volunteered as a paramedic for the Rutland-Dundee Fire Department.
Beyond her nursing career, Mary's entrepreneurial spirit shone through as a former owner of Schock's Greenhouses in Elgin and as the driving force behind Our House Antiques & Treats, the café and antique shop she lovingly ran on the Schock's property.
After years of frequent vacations to Hilton Head Island, she fulfilled a dream and moved there in 2005, where she enjoyed sunsets on Braddock's Cove, picnics on the beach, fishing, crabbing off the docks, and hosting family and friends. She returned to Illinois in 2020 to be close to family.
Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2013, Mary faced her illness with courage, humor, and grace. Despite the challenges, she continued to live fully - attending her grandchildren's concerts, plays, and sporting events where she became everyone's "Mimi."
Mary loved to travel - especially to Paris with her sister, Marsha - and took many trips around the world, never losing her sense of adventure or appreciation for good food and new experiences. She was known for her quick wit, tireless work ethic, and her joy in life's simple pleasures. Mary was a woman of many talents, from running 10Ks to performing on an upright bass and singing with the bluegrass band The Back Porch Jamboree and later with the country band Windfall.
Mary is survived by her children, Chris Watrous (Denise), Cory Watrous (Deborah), and Lindsay Coats (Brandon); her sisters, Marsha Delaney and Marge Hagman (Dennis); her nieces and nephews, Carey Young (Chris Flaherty), Tyler Young (Brandy), and Atalie Przybelski (Matt); and her devoted caregiver, Tammy Minjares. She was a proud "Mimi" to eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and many grandpets.
She is also remembered fondly by her first husband and lifelong friend, William Watrous, and his wife, Frania. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her nephew, Riley Hagman.
Mary's warmth, humor, and kindness will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A memorial visitation will be held from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, Monday, November 17, 2025, at Symonds-Madison Funeral Home, 305 Park Street, Elgin, IL 60120.
Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mary's name to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research or the Sea Turtle Patrol of Hilton Head Island.
Final arrangements entrusted to Symonds-Madison Funeral Home. For more information, call 847-741-1128.
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