Mary Ellyn Ives was an incredible, amazing woman. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to all. Mary was a caregiver at heart and always thought of others: writing notes, helping others, and giving of her time, energy and spirit. She loved People! She loved Purple!
Mary was born January 23, 1941, in Downers Grove, Illinois and grew up there with her parents, Clyde and Ellyn, and brother Bill. She was quite a beauty and active at Downers Grove High School (school colors purple and white). Mary continued her education at Miami University and Northwestern University (more purple) pursuing her passion for physical therapy and caring for others.
She met her first husband, Clarence ‘Butch’ Fossier, and they married in 1965. They had two children, David and Jennifer, two of her greatest joys. She worked as a physical therapist through the years, usually focused on home health physical therapy. She cared about her patients and worked to enhance their lives. Mary’s most treasured time was raising her kids, being involved in their activities, and watching them grow. As a family, they lived in Hinsdale, IL, Chanute Air Force Base Rantoul, IL, and Lincolnshire, IL making great friends and memories along the way.
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Mary met her beloved husband Bob in Lincolnshire, and they married in 1985. They shared 38 wonderful years together watching their four children, Robin, RV, David, and Jennifer grow and flourish then leave the nest and have families of their own. She loved to hear stories, talk on the phone and see pictures of every activity. Mary and Bob lived active lives traveling to great destinations such as Panama Canal, Australia, Turkey, Russia and more. They enjoyed time with friends, played golf, and saw amazing things across the globe. Their shared love of golf and friends found them wintering in West Bay Club Estero Florida for 23 years. A warm retreat away from Chicago and encouraged family to visit them at their paradise on earth.
Mary passed away peacefully on August 15, 2024, at Lake Forest Hospital. Family gathered during her last day sharing love and hugs. Her kids, David and Jennifer, were by her side and the sounds of Hallmark channel Murder, She Wrote and Monk in the background. And of course there was purple. All her favorites!
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Mary is survived by her husband, Robert ‘Bob’ Ives, of Lake Forest, Illinois; her four children David (Andrea) Fossier, Jennifer (Zak) Autian, Robin (Ken) Ives Moncrief, and Robert ‘RV’ (Sarah) Ives; her eight grandchildren Matt (Lauren), Mandy (Greg), Ali (Jay), Madi, Kyle, Anna, Tyler; and seven great grandchildren. Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Ellyn Whitman, brother Bill Whitman, and granddaughter Gabby Ives.
On October 5, 2024, a private memorial service will be held at Community Christian Church, Lincolnshire, Illinois and a Celebration of Life open to family and friends at Knollwood Club 1890 Knollwood Road Lake Forest, IL 60045 1-3pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations are made in memory of Mary Ives to Cystic Fibrosis (https://www.cff.org/donate/), ALS Foundation (https://lesturnerals.org/get-involved/ways-to-donate/) or the charity of your choice.
Info: www.wenbanfh.com or (847)234-0022.
