Mary Thompson-Tatro

Mary L. Thompson-Tatro (nee Bell)

Age 92 of Wilmington, passed away Friday September 7, 2012 at the Joliet Area Community Hospice Home in Joliet.

Born December 5, 1919 in Symerton, Mary was a daughter of the late William Joseph and Jennie Loretta Dillon-Bell. She was a graduate of Reed Custer High School and continued her education at the University of Illinois in Normal, eventually earning her Master's Degree at Pesta Lotzi Froebel in Chicago. On October 26, 1946, Mary married Donald Thompson in Saint Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington and he preceded her on December 31, 1974. She then married her second husband Vernon Tatro on August 12, 1983 and he too preceded her April 27, 2007. Mary taught Math and Science in the Wilmington School District for over 37 years and it began with teaching at Moulton Country School at the age of 19 and continued with educating students at North Crest School, Booth Central and Stevens Middle School. She was a member of Saint Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington and the NEA Retired Teachers. She had a love of dancing and being outdoors, which included bird watching and gardening. Mary also enjoyed crocheting and antiquing. She will be most remembered however for her love of time spent with her grandchildren.

Survivors include her three children: John (Joan) Thompson of Wilmington, Joann Forsythe of Manhattan and Carol (Larry) Roman of Wilmington; grandchildren: Nick (Ashton) Forsythe and Bridget Forsythe of Manhattan, Lisa (Cory) Dillon of Channahon, Chris Roman and Amanda Roman of Wilmington, Mark (Angela) Roman of Plainfield, Carrie (Steve) McWilliams of Crystal Lake and Tony Roman of Florida; great grandchildren: Quinn and Kellen Forsythe, Luke, Jack and Maxton Roman and Ryan and Jake McWilliams; her sister Bernice (Jim) Lardi of Wilmington and sisters-in-law: Phyllis (Dusty) Hinds of Missouri and Rosie Bell of Wilmington, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; first husband Donald Thompson; second husband Vernon Tatro; brothers: Ray Bell and Leo Bell and special friend Bill Galbraith.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Mary's caregiver Reneta Gostomska.

Visitation and Video Tribute will be held on Monday September 10, 2012 between the hours of 4:00PM and 8:00PM at Freitag-Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington. Funeral services will follow Tuesday September 11th at 10:00AM in Saint Rose Catholic Church, 624 South Kankakee Street in Wilmington, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Steve Bondi and Deacon Don Dyer officiating.

Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Wilmington where Mary will be laid to rest with her late husband Donald Thompson. Pallbearers will be: John Thompson, Chris Roman, Nick Forsythe, Dan Bell, Roy Strong and Tom Hayden.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Mary's memory to Kuzma Care Cottage, 635 South Main Street, Wilmington, Illinois 60481 or Joliet Area Community Hospice, 250 Waterstone Circle, Joliet, Illinois 60431.

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.FRBfuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Freitag-Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815/476-2181)