Mary Gatan

Mary Ann Gatan passed away peacefully on January 6, 2017 with family by her side. She was born to the late Francis Sweeney and Nell Sweeney-Rylander on September 24, 1941. Mary made Woodridge, IL her home for over 40 years raising her family. She was a member of St. Scholastica Catholic Church and donated to the church and many charities throughout the years. Mary so loved the outdoors and became an avid Golfer in the local Women’s Golfing Leagues, she also participated in Softball Leagues and Bowling Leagues for many years. Mary enjoyed many of the outdoor activities Woodridge offered throughout the year. Mary’s other passions include gardening, reading, knitting, music, painting, taking pictures of family, home-projects, yoga, swimming, walking, and planting flowers and vegetables from seedlings which she planted around her home. Mary received her registered Nursing Degree from College of DuPage and worked as a Nurse for over 20 years. Mary happily retired and became a part-time sales associate at Walmart where she has enjoyed working till recently in 2016. During Mary’s employment she maintained friendships with many co-workers and loved the path she chosen working to help others. She is survived by her 4 daughters and their spouses; Laurie Nichols, Downers Grove, IL, Karen “KJ” (Jeff) Johnson of Gold Canyon, AZ, Vicky Kohut of Arlington Heights, IL, and Brigitte (David) Black of Cary, IL; 11 grandchildren and spouses; Renee (Jeff) Hunter, Melissa Janssen; David Flores, Josh (Miranda) Nichols, Ashley Jean Nichols, Derek Kohut, Jason Kohut, Brittany Black, Madison Black, Austin Black; and Heather Dicharia; 3 great-grandchildren; Nathan, Preston, and Austin Hunter. In addition, Mary is survived by 2 brothers and their spouses and families: Robert (Charlotte) Sweeney of Chicago, IL, Michael (Betty) Sweeney of Gold Canyon, AZ; Mary is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews not mentioned here. Preceded in passing were her parents Francis (1965) and Nell Sweeney-Rylander (1977), Stepfather, Joseph Rylander, 1 son, Stephen Welch (1965) and 1 brother, Richard Sweeney (1993). A funeral service celebrating Mary’s life will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at 11:00 am at St. Scholastica Church in Woodridge located at 7800 Janes Avenue, Woodridge, IL 60517. Mary will be laid to rest near her parents and son, Stephen, at the Resurrection Gardens at St. Joseph Cemetery in River Grove, IL. All those who loved and cared for Mary are invited to celebrate with family. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to West Suburban Humane Society 1901 W. Ogden Ave., Downers Grove, IL 60515 and/or St. Scholastica Church in Mary’s honor.