Mary T. Mounce passed away peacefully on January 17, 2026, at the age of 64.
Born on April 22, 1961, in Springfield IL, she grew up surrounded by a large loving family, but she had her sights set on a life in the big city. Moving to Chicago as a young adult, she proudly called it home until her death.
Mary was a graduate of Ursuline Academy, class of 1979. She attended Lincoln Land Community College and Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree and her dental hygienist certification in 1983.
She worked in the dental field for over four decades, retiring in September of 2025.
Mary’s key values included keeping her environmental footprint small, being expert at her trade, the passing on of family food traditions, and supporting her nieces and nephews in becoming the best versions of themselves.
She will be fondly remembered by many for her intelligence, a wry wit, independent spirit, loyalty to friends and family, her passion for progressive causes, a decade of volunteering at Lollapalooza, and the fortitude and humor with which she faced down ovarian cancer these last six years.
Mary is survived by her sisters, Ana-Jo Mounce of Springfield, IL, Elizabeth (Chuck Lukritz) Falagario of Tucson, AZ, and Rebecca "Becky" (Mark) Valletti of Bartlett, IL. She also leaves behind brothers, Michael (Lori) Mounce of Utica, IL, and Daniel (Diane) Mounce of Spaulding, IL. A close-knit family, her siblings, nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins, and numerous friends will lovingly carry Mary’s memory forward.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Joseph M. Mounce and Pearl A. Selvaggio Mounce, who she dearly missed. The thought of them awaiting her with a loving embrace brought her comfort.
Memorial Gathering: 4:00 – 7:00 pm, Friday, February 6, 2026 at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield, beginning with the vigil prayer service.
Memorial Mass: 11:00 am, Saturday, February 7, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church – Springfield, with Rev. Richard L. Chiola officiating.
Inurnment Service: 11:00 am, Monday, February 9, 2026 at Calvary Cemetery – Columbarium.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mary’s name are encouraged to be made to the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights www.icirr.org, or the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition www.ovarian.org.
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