Search by Name

Search by Name

Mary Jane Whiteside

Mary Jane Whiteside obituary, Joliet, IL

FUNERAL HOME

Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory - Joliet Chapel

3200 Black at Essington Roads

Joliet, Illinois

Mary Whiteside Obituary

Mary Jane Whiteside
Mary Jane Whiteside, 82, of Joliet, IL passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 7th in Sarasota, FL. She was born on May 12, 1943, in Fairbury, IL.
Mary Jane was the beloved mother of Shelley Whiteside of Sarasota, FL, and cherished sister of Charles (Sharon) Wharton of Texas. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, John Whiteside; her parents, Shelby A. and Fern Wharton; and her brother, Shelby "Roe" Wharton.
Mary Jane lived a life filled with warmth, joy, and unwavering strength. Known for her effervescent spirit and welcoming nature, she had a remarkable ability to make others feel loved and truly seen. She treasured music, the white sands of Siesta Key, and the comfort of gathering family and friends around her kitchen table.
A graduate of Fairbury High School and Illinois State University, Mary Jane earned a degree in Elementary Education and began her career teaching third grade at Valley View School in Lockport, IL. She later served as Box Office Manager at the Rialto Square Theatre and Group Sales Manager at the Empress River Casino. Throughout her life, she was admired for her kindness, resilience, and generosity of spirit.
Mary Jane will be remembered for her bright smile, her joyful presence, and the love she shared so freely. She leaves behind cherished memories and a lasting legacy in the hearts of all who knew her.
Services for Mary Jane will be held in Joliet this Spring. As plans are solidified an updated obituary will be published in the Joliet Herald News.
Memorial contributions may be made to Tidewell Hospice of Sarasota.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500, or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence in her honor.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Herald-News on Dec. 13, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Whiteside

Sponsored by Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory - Joliet Chapel Joliet Chapel.

Not sure what to say?





Make a Donation
in Mary Whiteside's name

Memorial Events
for Mary Whiteside

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory - Joliet Chapel

3200 Black at Essington Roads, Joliet, IL 60431

How to support Mary's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Mary Whiteside's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more