Mary Terese Stadelman

 

Mary Terese Stadelman (nee Magruder), age 73, at rest on Thursday, November 9, 2023.

Mary Terese was preceded in death by her parents, Patrick Gerald and Mary Agnes (Fitzpatrick) Magruder and a brother, Paul Magruder. She is survived by her husband of 27 years, Ron; her daughter, Erin Shannon Dodge; her granddaughter, Justine Elizabeth Dodge both of Fox River Grove, II; her son, W. James Powers of Venice, Florida; siblings, Margo-Jane (Patrick) Burke, Debra Marie McDonald, Patrick Gerald Magruder (Mary), Michael Magruder (Carolyn); and countless nieces and nephews.

Mary Terese was born in Chicago and grew up in Joliet/Crest Hill. She was the second of six children, graduated from St. Francis Academy and shortly afterward enlisted in the United States Navy. After traveling around the country with the Navy she decided to return to Illinois and raise her children. At the age of 45 she met the man she would spend the rest of her life with.

Mary Terese spent her working life in the health care industry mostly specializing in geriatric care. She was also very active with the Cary Grove Jaycees and chaired many community development projects for them.

In 2008 she and her husband moved to Florida to get away from the cold and to help care for Ron's mother who was suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's. At the age of 67, she found the most rewarding job of her life working as a caregiver for Sisters 4 Seniors. She enjoyed traveling, sewing, quilting, and spending time with her beloved dachshunds.

In the past two years Mary Terese became increasingly homesick and decided to return to her roots moving to Elwood and locating within a five-mile radius of her four surviving siblings.

In lieu of flowers, Mary Terese has requested donations to the American Cancer Society or the Manhattan United Methodist Church.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held on Friday, December 8, 2023 with a funeral service at Manhattan United Methodist Church, 335 East North Street, Manhattan, IL 60442 to begin at 11:00 a.m. Inurnment will follow at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood at 12:30 p.m.