Mary Prezette

Mary Prezette, 92, passed away June 28, 2021. Beloved wife of the late Walter for 62 wonderful years. Loving mother of Carol (Edward) Prezette-Johnson and Jacqueline Prezette. Cherished grandmother of Brandon and Bryan Zaremba. Dear sister of the late Helen Kosiba. Fond aunt of Diane Dziekan and Michael Kosiba. Mary was a fond animal lover and cherished all of the dogs, cats and birds in her life. Visitation will be Saturday, July 3, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at Cumberland Chapels, 8300 W Lawrence Ave, Norridge, then proceed to Our Lady Mother of the Church, Chicago, for Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Entombment will follow at St. Adalbert Cemetery, Mary, Mother of God Mausoleum. Info: 708-456-8300

Stories about Mary Prezette’s Life

Mom enjoyed many crafts and hobbies including: crocheting, sewing (including Barbie doll clothes), making ornaments with ribbons and sequins, making and displaying window decorations (scarecrow with leaves).

I blame my sweet tooth for my mom’s incredible desserts. She was an amazing baker and during the holidays would make her famous batches of Christmas cookies that included chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, ribbon/neopolatin and sugar. Bins of cookies around Christmas time were a tradition for us.

Dinnertime was always special as she planned and cooked the meal. Dinners included lasagna, meat loaf, stroganoff, ham with pineapple, tacos, spaghetti and meatballs. It was always something different, delicious, and home made. There were no microwaves when we were young children and the stovetop and oven did require some time and planning.

Mom was a fantastic homemaker taking pride in the upkeep and cleanliness of the house. Even the small tasks, like doing the laundry, she would take pride in. (hanging the clothes on a line, rolling the socks in a ball.)

As a family, we enjoyed going out to Cock Robin (Franchise) on North Ave.. One of the only places where we were served square ice cream scoops on a cone. Not too far away was KIDDIELAND where we spend many summer days.

Mom enjoyed shopping and dressing in the lastest fashion. Her appearance was very important to her.

Mom always loved animals, mainly dogs, although her latest addition to the family where cats. Before I was born, she spoke about a bird named Peter that she loved.

Mom was an amazing grandmother. She was always looking forward to seeing her grandchildren and was always available to help me out with my rotating work schedule. She loved making her grandchildren grilled cheese and banana shakes. Her cooking skills were more advanced than that, but she loved sharing comfort food. As her grandchildren matured and moved out of state, she was grateful that her fur babies remained with her.

Mom fought and beat colon cancer within the last 8 years. She had a clean bill of health without any chemo, radiation or surgery. We were very proud of her as cancer is difficult for anyone, let alone someone in their eighties.

She lost her husband to stomach cancer five years ago. Although it was difficult to be a widow, she had a small but strong family alliance.

Her mind was sharp as she engaged in crossword puzzles, Wheel of Fortune, and Jeopardy. Other interests were political news, 90-Day Fiancé, Animal Planet.

She did face challenges with her progressive immobility. From walker to wheelchair, then lift chair and finally bedridden her last few days. Five weeks ago, she received a concerning but ambiguous diagnosis about a mass on her lung. Cancer was mentioned, but never confirmed.
In the last 12 hours I thanked her for being a good Mother and Grandmother. I spoke of a deceased pet Shadow that passed away 3 years ago that she loved very much. She acknowledged this information as I knew her time on earth was getting shorter.

Mom, thank you for giving me life, love, and time together. I love you and you will always be in my heart.