Mary Ann Counsell, 85, Longtime District 61 Secretary

The following obituary was provided by Modell Funeral Home:

Mary Ann Counsell, age 85, died at 2:00 A.M. on August 14, 2013.  Her funeral Mass will be at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, August 17, 2013 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 8404 S. Cass Ave., Darien, with Fr. Bob Carroll officiating.  Interment will be at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 3 to 9 P.M. on Friday, August 16, at Modell Funeral Home, 7710 S. Cass Ave., Darien.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1801 S. Meyers Rd., Ste. 100, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181 or Darien Historical Society, 7422 S. Cass Ave., Darien, IL 60561. 

Mary Ann was born January 25, 1928 in Chicago, daughter of Joseph and Grace (McAndrew) Luetkemeyer.  She married Robert Counsell on November 13, 1948 in Maywood, IL. He died October 20, 1999.  

She is survived by her children; Mary Ann Lage of Normal, IL, Barbara (Steve) McHugh of Bolingbrook, IL, Robert (Sue) Counsell of Wichita, KS, Judith (Vince) Donohue of Bloomington, IL and Joseph (Carolina) Counsell of Berwyn, IL; her grandchildren; Shaun (Becki) McHugh, Kelly (Patrick) Crain, Ryan (Shawna) McHugh, Kyle (Stephanie) McHugh, Julia (Clint) Harper, Brent (Alicia) Lage, Colin and Connor Donohue, and Michelle, Carolina, and Robert Counsell; her great-grandchildren; Brenna, Alexandria, Cole, Madeline, Owen, Chiara, Brianna, Logan, Caden, Patrick, Abigail, Rosalind, Claire and Nolan; three sisters-in-law Mary Luetkemeyer of Lake Ozark, MO, Madeline Counsell and Martha (Rusty) Rippy both of Clinton, IN; and several nieces and nephews.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, brother Joseph Luetkemeyer, brother-in-law Arthur Counsell, and son-in-law Ron Lage.

Mary Ann attended Our Lady of Peace Church.  During their lives and retirement, Bob and Mary Ann spent time traveling across the USA and Europe.  They created a “Counsell Getaway” at Lake Ozark, MO, where family members vacation.  She enjoyed crossword puzzles, pinochle, and family celebrations.  She was very talented and prolific at cross stitch, creating numerous framed samplers for family members.  She truly enjoyed spending time with her family and will be remembered for her gracious hosting and piano renditions.

Mary Ann graduated from DePaul University Secretarial School in 1946 and was legal secretary for a number of years.  Later, she was secretary for 15 years in the Darien Public School District.

Mary Ann's family would like to thank the St. Thomas Adventist Hospice.

Condolences may be sent to her family or visit www.modelldarien.com.

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