Mary Louise Vollrath

Mary Louise (née Nusbaum) Vollrath, age 81, of Elgin, IL, passed away on October 9, 2025. She was born December 5, 1943 in Chicago, IL. A devoted nurse, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Mary's life was marked by service, compassion, and unwavering dedication to her family, community, and faith.
Mary earned her Registered Nurse degree from Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis, MN, establishing the foundation for a distinguished career in nursing. With courage and conviction, she proudly served her country as a U.S. Army nurse in the Vietnam War from 1964 to 1966, achieving the rank of First Lieutenant. During that time, she provided critical care to those in need, exemplifying bravery and compassion in uncertain times.
Following her military service, Mary began a long and impactful career at Sherman Hospital in Elgin, IL, where she served with skill, kindness, and commitment from 1966 until her retirement in 2013. Her decades of work left a lasting legacy among colleagues and patients alike.
In 1969, Mary married her first husband, Charles J. "Jim" Renard, and together they had two children. Their time together was tragically cut short when Jim passed away in September, 1974. Mary later found love again and married David Vollrath in 1979, and they welcomed two more children. Through life's challenges and blessings, Mary's quiet strength, steadfast love, and deep faith sustained her and inspired all who knew her.
Her legacy of care, courage, and devotion will continue to live on through her family, friends, and the many lives she touched throughout her remarkable journey. She unselfishly gave of herself, asking nothing in return.
Mary is remembered by her husband, David Vollrath; her children, Kimberly (Doug) Schaeffer, Kevin J. Renard (Camille) Vollrath, Aaron (Marta) Vollrath, and Abraham (Amanda) Vollrath; sister, Evelyn Schult; grandchildren, Jonathan and Justin Schaeffer, Courtney (Aaron) Baggett, Cody Vollrath, and Valerie, Elena, and Rebecca Vollrath; and great-grandson, River Baggett.
Visitation will be 5:00pm to 8:00pm, Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Symonds-Madison Funeral Home, 305 Park Street, Elgin, IL 60120.
Visitation will continue from 10:00am until funeral service at 12:00pm, Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at Good Shepherd Church, 195 Nesler Road, Elgin, IL 60124. Rev. Steve Maske will be officiating.
Graveside with military honors to follow at 2:00pm at Lakewood Memorial Park, 30W730 U.S. Hwy. 20, Elgin, IL 60120.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Mary's name to Illinois Nurses Foundation.
Final arrangements entrusted to Symonds-Madison Funeral Home. For more information, call 847-741-1128.
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