Mary A. Gentile

Mary A. Gentile, 94, beloved sister, aunt and friend, passed gently into eternal life on October 31, 2020, at Mother Theresa Home in Lemont, Illinois. Mary was born November 30, 1925, in Chicago, the third of four children born to Louis and Anna (nee Algozino) Gentile.

Mary had two older brothers, Frank and Jim, and a younger sister, Rita. Growing up during the Great Depression and World War II, family was all important to the Gentiles. Mary’s childhood memories included several years living on a farm in Lakota, Michigan, picking apples, cracking black walnuts on a big tree stump, and gazing at the stars in the clear night sky. Returning to Chicago during the Depression, Mary remembered their maternal grandmother keeping an eye on the four children while her mother and father both worked to provide for the family, and many holidays spent with their paternal grandparents.

When World War II broke out, her brother Jim served in the Pacific with the Second Marine Division in World War II while her brother Frank battled bone cancer at home. Frank passed away at age 21 while Jim was overseas and unable to return home. After the war Mary went to work for Eastman Kodak, where she enjoyed a 37-year career and retired as a purchasing agent in 1984. Mary enjoyed traveling all over the world, and she chronicled her travels and many family events through the years in photographs and film. She was beloved by her family and will be missed.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Frank and Jim (the late Celine) Gentile, nephews James and Thomas Gentile, and great nephew John Gentile. Left to celebrate her life are her sister, Rita Bartolomeo, of Phoenix, Arizona, and nieces and nephews Eileen Hlubocky, Patricia Gentile, Christine Walsh, Louis Bartolomeo, LouiseTunnell, Rita Marie Starr, John Bartolomeo, Frank Bartolomeo and Thomas Bartolomeo, and numerous great and great great nieces and nephews.

Friends and family are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 16, at Our Lady of the Woods Church, 10731 W. 131st Street, Orland Park, Illinois, 60462. Our Lady of the Woods requests that all who are planning to attend pre-register at ourladyofthewoods.org or in person when arriving at the church. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, all are asked to wear a mask in the church at all times and practice social distancing.

If desired, Mary's Memorial Mass can be viewed live and then re-viewed after the services at the following link -- https://asimplestreaming.com/gentile