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Mary Jarvis

Published October 04,2015

Obituary's Biography:

Mary Jarvis, 83, died peacefully at home on Friday, October 2, 2015, surrounded by her loving family who cared so very dearly for her throughout her struggle with Alzheimer’s. Mary was born in Chicago, IL on August 21, 1932 to Patrick McNamara and Josephine (nee: Blum) McNamara. She grew up in the South Side of Chicago, and graduated from Kelly High School in 1950. Mary met her husband, George R. “Bob” Jarvis at the Chicago Train station as he was headed off to war. Mary noticed he was standing alone, when everyone else was surrounded by family and friends. Mary, not wanting this young, handsome man to be alone, she went up to him and asked if she could keep him company until his train departed. You could say it was love at first sight and they were married the day after her 19th birthday on August 22, 1951. Mary was a stay at home mom, raising 4 children. When the youngest was old enough to go to school, possessing a true servant’s heart, Mary got a job at Laremont School in Gages Lake, IL as a Teacher’s Aide with children of special needs. She used to say “Where else can you go to work, and get hugs and kisses every day!” Mary worked there 17 years from 1975-1992 and left only once her husband retired from Echo Products. Mary and Bob loved to travel and stared out tent camping with 4 children, later joining the Camper’s Club and upgraded to a camper trailer. In 1987 they purchased a vacation home in the Northwoods of Wisconsin where they enjoyed the various seasons by the lake, cross county skiing, boating, and roasting marshmallows on the nearby island with their 9 grandchildren. They were fortunate to have traveled to all 50 states and over 27 Foreign countries which they enjoyed with family and friends. Mary and Bob also started the Lake County Treasure Hunt with a group of their friends, that were held in the 1970’s in which hundreds of people would participate every Fall. Mary had an unwavering faith in God and was a former member of Wildwood Presbyterian Church and a current member of Faith Church in Grayslake and belonged to a Bible Study group that met weekly in their home. Mary was always known to open her heart and her home to family and friends. Mary possessed a contagious smile and an entertaining sense of humor that always had a way of making people laugh, whether through singing one of her many funny songs, wearing one of her many hats, or simply doing something that showed just how much she enjoyed life and laughter. Throughout her life she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many, who even now are being changed by her witness of constant nurturing love and faith. Her signature gift of joy, shown through her constant smiling, laughter, and joking around, will never be forgotten and is a quality that most people who know her will always remember. Mary is survived by her husband of 64 years, Bob Jarvis, her children Tom (Lois) Jarvis, Ken (Sue) Jarvis, Carol (Doug) McDowell, and Mary Ann Jarvis, her grandchildren Andrew (Meredith), Ella, Robert, Amy, Christina (Jeremy), Esther, Diana (Jason), Wesley, and Lydia, her great-grandchildren Season, Shane, Amaris, Ezmerelda, Rain, Liam, Nolan, and Travis, her sister Helen Cardwell, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister Barbara Knutson and her brother Gerald McNamara. This was written by her children, in honor of their dearest Mother. It is their tribute to her memory, which will be carried on in the legacy of love which is now in each of them – the lives she formed and touched by her love and tireless devotion… “We love you Mom!” A visitation is scheduled for Friday, October 9, 2015 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030. A funeral service is scheduled for 10:00am, Saturday, October 10, 2015 at the Faith Church 954 W. Brae Loch Rd. Grayslake, IL. Interment will follow at Warren Cemetery in Gurnee. For more information please call (847)223-8122 or log onto www.strangfuneral.org.

7 replies on “Mary Jarvis”

  1. Dear Jarvis Famiy:

    I offer my condolences to all of you for your loss. What a privilege must have been to have such a wonderful woman in your lives and now forever in your hearts. I offer my prayers for comfort during this time of mourning and may the Blessings of the Lord be with all of you.

    With Deepest Sympathy.

    Sherina Anderson

  2. Tom, Ken, Carol, & Mary Ann, I have so many wonderful memories of good times growing up and playing at your house, and of course of your Mom. She is everything you said, and that is how I will always remember her. Your dad and mom were such good friends with my parents, and we had many good times camping, getting ready for the treasure hunt, & so much more. My love and prayers are with you now, I will be there in spirit on Saturday for her service. Give my love to your Dad, and my love to you all as well.
    At least we know she is safe in the arms of Jesus, and maybe reunited with my loving Daddy!

  3. Bob & family, When we heard of your loss our first thought was how blessed heaven is now to have Mary’s laughter ringing throughout. Bob, you and Mary taught us what Christian hospitality was all about and you both always demonstrated that living for Jesus is an exciting adventure. We wish we could be there to be part of honoring our long-time friend–we will certainly be with you in our hearts. Praying for God’s comfort and peace.

  4. Bob, Tom, Ken, Carol, & Mary Ann and the rest of your loved ones, How can one not smile when they think of your parents–they enjoyed life and shared it with others. Your mother always had a quick laugh ready for you, and although I do know she “fudged” often about her age, I let her think I believed she was married at 10, and each year it was a year younger. I am sure the Lord will overlook those little white lies. No matter her age she was always young at heart. It was a privilege to have known her, one of my fondest memories of living in Wildwood is of having spent time with her in church, Bible Study and choir, and of course, THE Treasure Hunt! May all those beautiful times be treasured in your hearts also for many years to come!

  5. My Aunt Mary was a wonderful and funny and most of all CARING and LOVING person. She will be missed. I will miss her sense of humor! One of my fondest memories of her growing up and visiting is going camping with my cousins and she would always have a hug and a warm smile on her face, no matter how crazy all of us were getting. One time, when my son was young and we were at a family reunion at Lake Erie, his bathing suit fell down from him and she just chuckled and said, “Wow! A full moon in the middle of the day!”.

    Take care all of you and love and miss you!
    Laura (Jarvis) Ferguson

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