Mary Esterlen

1936 - 2016

Mary Johnstone Esterlen

Born: May 6, 1936; in Chicago, IL

Died: August 14, 2016; in Zumbrota, MN

Mary Johnstone Esterlen (nee Peebles), 80, of Zumbrota, Minnesota, and long-time resident of Lake In the Hills, Illinois, passed away on August 14, 2016, after a nine year battle with Alzheimer's disease.

The visitation and funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 20, 2016 from 2:00 to 6:00 pm in the Wait Ross Allanson Funeral & Cremation Services Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Algonquin.

Mary was born in Chicago, Illinois on May 6, 1936. She graduated from Notre Dame High School for girls, Chicago, IL in 1954. Following high school, Mary became a novice nun with the Sisters of Notre Dame and short of taking her final vows; she reconsidered and left the order to pursue 18 months of a 36-month nursing certificate program until she met her future husband George.

Mary was married to the late George Calvin Esterlen on February 11, 1961 in Chicago, Illinois. They were married 18 years until his death in February of 1979.

Mary worked as a mass transit city driver for NORTRAN in Des Plaines, IL for 16 years. She enjoyed volunteer work at local nursing homes and she was actively involved with her church family. Additionally, Mary drove a bus for school district #300 for several years prior to her employment with NORTRAN.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Julie Smith (Ray) of Zumbrota, MN; her sons George Esterlen of Roscoe, IL, Thomas Esterlen (Grace) of Troy, MO, John Esterlen of Cedar Rapids, IA, Robert Esterlen (Richard Vidal) of Los Angeles, CA; and daughter, Elizabeth Vito (Anthony) of Crystal Lake, IL. Mary is also survived by seven grandchildren, Raymond, Redmond, Robert, Samantha, Trevor, Casey, and Ava; and four great-grandchildren, Kyana, Nyssa, Asher, and Sawyer.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, John Weir and Elizabeth (Causeman) Peebles and her husband George Esterlen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the National Alzheimer's Association http://www.alz.org/join_the_cause_donate.asp, or by contacting Mayo Clinic Hospice at 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905 (507) 284-4002.

The family of Mary Esterlen wishes to thank Mayo Hospice, Cottage Wood Senior Communities, Pine Haven Care Center, and the many family and friends who have supported us through this most difficult journey.

For additional information 847-658-4232 or www.lairdfamilyfuneralservices.com