Mary Kraychy, age 94, passed away April 1, 2025, accompanied by family members and aided by Sacraments of the Catholic Church.  Her husband of 66 years, Stephen Kraychy, preceded her in death.

She was born in Chesterton, Indiana to Peter Mills and Nancy Miller and is survived by her three children, Kathleen, James, and Susan, as well as 15 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren.

Mary's undergraduate education was at Rosary College.  She went on to earn a Master's Degree in Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she met her husband, Steve.  Their first date involved canoeing, during which they discovered their mutual love of outdoor activities.

Having sailed with her parents for many years while growing up, Mary continued to enjoy watersports all her life, waterskiing on her birthday every year into her eighties.  She was a talented gardener, enjoyed bird watching, photography, travel, writing, and observing the natural world.

Mary was proud of her family, devoted to her husband and children, gave generously of her time to multiple charities and enjoyed numerous cultural activities.  Other interests included listening to classical music and opera, and watching an occasional John Wayne movie.

Her faith sustained her throughout her life.  Mary lived and died loving God, her family, and her country.

The family wishes to express its gratitude for the compassionate care Mary received in her final hours from the doctors, nurses, and staff of Advocate Condell Medical Center, and for the help and support we received at this difficult time.

Visitation Sunday, April 6, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Michalik Funeral Home, 1056 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60642. Family and friends will meet on Monday, April 7, 2025, at St. John Cantius Church, 825 North Carpenter Street, Chicago, Illinois 60642 for a 10:30 a.m. Visitation and 11:00 a.m. Tridentine Requiem Mass. Interment All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, donations to The Canons Regular of St. John Cantius, 1025 West Fry Street, Chicago, Illinois 60642, www.canons-regular.org .

For further information please call 312-421-0936.