Mary Virginia Ware (nee Allen)

Mary Virginia Allen Ware, 87, of Antioch, IL, passed away peacefully in the loving arms of her four children on October 3, 2024. Mary was born February 21, 1937, in Oak Park, IL.  She was the beloved wife of almost 60 years to Fred, treasured mother to Jeffrey (Liliana), Susan (Steven) Langer, Sandra (Thaddeus) Karwowski, and James (Angela), adored grandmother/Nama to Jillian, Joshua, Cassidy, Cameron, Casey, Cierra, Adam, Zackary, and Lexie, cherished Aunt Mary to nieces, nephews and cousins. and dear friend to many. Mary was also “Mama Ware” to numerous others who needed a loving, caring family in their lives and opened our home for them to live in as long as needed.

Mary received her degree in Occupational Therapy (OT) from the University of Illinois. She began her OT career working with children at Presbyterian St. Lukes Hospital in Chicago where she became the Director of Pediatric OT. Later she worked with elderly and physically challenged people in nursing homes, always bringing joy, light, and fun to those with whom she worked. She spent the latter part of her career with her husband and his parents at American Personnel Consultants managing the office, administering personnel and vocational testing, and carrying out many other essential activities.

She was also extremely creative and loved crafts. In addition to the beautiful quilts, afghans, and other gifts she made for family and friends, Mary was always using her talents for the good of others, including making caps for children with cancer, quilts and crafts for charity organizations to sell, and blankets and other items for Doctors without Borders. She always gave of herself to help others, including many rescue dogs she spoiled with a loving, warm, safe home.

This exceptional woman helped and blessed everyone she met. She was incredibly generous and incredibly selfless. Mary and her husband left a remarkable legacy of love and an indelible imprint that extends far beyond her immediate family because she instilled the values of family, giving, and love in everyone she knew.

Mary is predeceased by her husband Fred, her parents Maude and Raymond Allen, and her siblings Marilyn Allen McCarthy and John Raymond (Jack) Allen. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., at 746 Ridgewood Drive, Antioch, IL. Donations in honor of Mary can be made to any organization helping children, animals, or those battling cancer.