Mary Eleanor Perry

Mary Eleanor Perry of Columbia, SC (formerly Arlington Heights, IL) passed away on March 26, 2024, at the age of 84, after a brief illness. She was born on July 11, 1939, in Louisville, KY to Ninde S. Wilder and Elenore P. Wilder.

Mary cherished the years she worked in District #25 schools (Arlington Heights), then becoming assistant to the director of National Study of School Evaluations and ending her career as the administrative assistant in an architectural specifications consulting firm. For 25 years, Mary, along with her husband Jim, were avid square dancers. However, her true love was dedicated to the Congregational United Church of Christ. She sang in the choir as long as she was able, helped develop and lead the Stephen Ministry program, organized blood drives, co-led an intense two-year Karygma Bible Study program, participated in the church’s PADS program and served on a pastoral search committee. Most importantly, Mary was fondly remembered for her quick wit and love of storytelling. Favorite pastimes included cooking, reading, walking, a love of gardening, and attending live theater and musicals.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Paul Harper, and her son Jim Perry. She is survived by her husband of 62 plus years, James Perry, Jr., daughter H. Lynn Perry, daughter-in-law Marie Fritz Perry, and grandchildren Neil Perry, Amalia Perry, and Aiden Perry. In addition, she is survived by Renee Doktorczyk, who Mary considered to be her second daughter, along with Brian Doktorczyk and Alina Doktorczyk, who she considered to be her grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at Wittenberg Commons First Floor Meeting Room at Luther Village, 1250 Village Dr., Arlington Heights, IL on June 22, 2024. Visitation is from 9:30 am to the beginning of the Celebration Service at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Lawrence University (Mary’s Alma Mater), Pi Beta Phi (Mary’s college sorority), St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Shriner’s Childrens Hospital, or a charity of your choice.