MaryEllyn Peterek

MaryEllyn (née Duffin) Peterek, 76, of Romeoville, Illinois, the heart of the Peterek Family, surrendered her spirit into the arms of Jesus on October 29, 2024, at the Joliet Area Community Hospice, upon the courageous completion of her two-year journey with ALS.
MaryEllyn is survived by her loving and devoted husband Dan Peterek, and her amazing child, Tricia Peterek, both of whom were her tireless caregivers. She is also survived by her siblings Tom (Sherry) Duffin and Pat (Irv) Gibson, sisters-in-law Janet Duffin and Barb Peterek, brother-in-law Ernie Peterek and her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
MaryEllyn was preceded in death by her loving child Martha Peterek, parents Martha and John Duffin, grandmother Agnes Anglin Spotts, big brother Philip Duffin, Sr., cousins Ray Guinto, Sr. and Donna (Guinto) Wisemantle, parents-in-law Ernie and Marie Peterek, sister-in-law Betty Peterek, and her best friend, Barb Veleker.
MaryEllyn, in her unique way, was a hero to our family. Someone whom we loved and admired greatly. She weathered many storms in her life, including surviving cancer twice and caring for her child, Martha, through Martha's own time of illness with ALS, until Martha's death in 2020, before being diagnosed with ALS herself in 2022. She was also a devoted caregiver for her grandmother, her father, and her mother, at the end of their lives. She did all of this in such practical ways, with constant concern for others and always with abundant, inclusive love.
When she could no longer care for herself, she taught us so much with her surrendering grace. She was a gracious host, even up until the last month of her life, always ensuring her visitors' needs were met.
MaryEllyn was born on March 31, 1948, to John and Martha Duffin, in Chicago, Illinois. She met the love of her life, Dan Peterek, in first grade at St. Pius Catholic School in Chicago. They were married for 53 years, being blessed with two beautiful children, Tricia, and Martha. She was a fiercely loving and protective mother of her children. As a married couple, she and Dan offered their service and hearts to the ministry of Worldwide Marriage Encounter. She also served as a eucharistic minister and loved bringing communion to the faith community of St. Andrew the Apostle in Romeoville, Illinois. She worked for the Diocese of Joliet for more than 25 years.
MaryEllyn was a voracious reader and loved all things Irish – fests and music! She loved movies, music and musicals and would indulge glamorously by sporting a feather boa and tiara when watching the Academy Awards, Grammy's, and Tony Awards shows. Thusly, she was known to us at "Princess Mare." But mostly, she devoted her time and energy to staying connected with her beloved family, near and far. She loved spending time with her family and the many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews and all that came into her life. We will forever miss our Irish Princess!
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Les Turner ALS Foundation; 5550 W. Touhy Ave.; Skokie, IL 60077-3254. Website: www.lesturnerals.org
We would like to thank the good people at the Les Turner ALS Foundation and the angels at the Joliet Area Community Hospice, who guided us through the end.
Visitation: Thursday, November 7, 2024, from 3 to 8 pm at Anderson-Goodale Memorial Homes, 21131 W. Renwick Rd., Plainfield, IL 60544.
Funeral: Friday, November 8, 2024, at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church at 505 Kingston Dr. Romeoville, IL 60446 for a 10 am Mass.
*Services will end at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church*
Cremation rites to be accorded and inurned privately at Resurrection Cemetery in Romeoville at a later date.