Maureen "Mimi" Motroni

1951 - 2025

Maureen "Mimi" Motroni
Born: June 25, 1951
Died: September 27, 2025
Maureen "Mimi" Motroni, a lifelong resident of Woodstock, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2025, at the age of 74. Born on June 25, 1951, to William (Bud) Joseph Brendel and Alba (Rose) Guirrieri Brendel, Mimi lived a life dedicated to her family and community.
A graduate of Marian Central Catholic High School in 1969, Mimi went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Northern Illinois University. She began her career as a dedicated educator, teaching math and chemistry at Belvidere High School. She continued to work at her family's restaurant, The Woodstock Inn, where her warm and welcoming spirit made a lasting impression on everyone she met.
Mimi found her true professional calling at The State Bank of Woodstock (now BMO Harris), where she rose through the ranks with her sharp mind and tireless work ethic, eventually retiring as vice president in 2015. Her colleagues and clients remember her as a respected and compassionate leader.
In 1978, Mimi married the late, John Motroni. Together they raised two children, Michelle and Phillip, and Mimi embraced her role as a loving stepmother to Jennifer Stefani and Melissa Motroni. Later in life, Mimi found the second love-of-her-life, marrying Robert O'Leary in 2015.
A woman of immense grace and generosity, she brought her passion and talent to many organizations including Woodstock Rotary Club, March of Dimes, Woodstock Opera House, the Woodstock planning Commission, and the Woodstock Professional Women's club. Mimi was honored in July of 2025 by the Gaver's Cancer Foundation with the "Never-Be-Defeated" award.
Mimi's greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her loving husband Robert O'Leary; her children Michelle (Chris) Fishman and Phillip Motroni; her cherished grandchildren Caralyn, Tyler, and Katelyn Fishman and her stepchildren Jennifer (Steve) Stefani and Melissa Motroni, and their families. She also leaves behind her sisters Rosemary (Gene) Lemke and Kathleen (Kenneth) Furrow, and her brother Michael (Victoria) Brendel, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and husband, John P. Motroni in 2008.
Mimi will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her memory will be cherished for her unwavering kindness, her infectious laugh, and her profound love of life and family.
A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 10:30 am at St. Mary Catholic Church, 312 Lincoln Avenue, Woodstock. Interment will follow in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Woodstock. A celebration of life reception will be held immediately after the Cemetery service at the Moose Lodge, Woodstock, IL. Memorials in her name to the Woodstock Rotary Club, or the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation would be greatly appreciated in lieu of flowers.