Obituary of Mary J. Civello

Mary J. Civello (nee Heinemann), 79, formerly of Libertyville, passed away Jan. 8, 2018. Mary was born in St. Louis. Growing up she attended Catholic schools through college. In 1960, she graduated Maryville College, married Joe and became an Air Force wife. During the 6 years with Joe in the Air Force, they lived in 6 states and she gave birth to 3 children. Two girls and a boy, she bore her son while Joe was overseas. After the Air Force, they settled in the Chicago area. She became a substitute teacher in local high schools. Discovering a love of sailing, they began sailing in an 8 foot dinghy and over the years gradually stepped up to a beautiful 37 footer called “High Flight”. Mary and her husband joined the Waukegan Yacht Club, Mary served a year as the president of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Waukegan Power Squadron. She helped out at Carmel’s Street Scenes and traveled extensively. Mary decided to get her Master’s Degree when the kids were all in college. She attended Roosevelt University and graduated with a Master’s in guidance & counseling. She began teaching special needs students. Mary loved good music and subscribed to the Lake Forest Symphony and enjoyed musicals at the Marriott and other theatres. After retirement, Mary and Joe enjoyed escaping Chicago winters for two months each year in Marco Island, FL.

Mary is survived by her husband of 57 years of marriage, Joseph; her children, Katherine Tudor, Laurie (Scott Purrucker) Civello and Michael Civello; and her grandchildren, Julia and Sarah Tudor.

Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 12, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 121 E. Maple Ave., Libertyville, where there will be visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. Interment will be in Ascension Cemetery. Memorial donations made to the St. Joseph School Endowment Fund, 121 E. Maple St., Libertyville, IL 60048 would be great appreciated. Funeral arrangements by McMurrough Funeral Chapel, Libertyville. For information, call 847-362-2626 or visit libertyvillefuneralhome.com