Mary Bremer

Mary Bremer, a lifelong resident of Des Plaines, Illinois, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2026, at the age of 90 at her residence, Nazarethville Place in Des Plaines.

Born on February 23, 1936, to the late S. Charles and Mary Ellen (Dunn) Bremer, Mary was raised in Des Plaines, where she built a life rooted in faith, family, friendship, and service to her community.

A 1953 graduate of St. Patrick's Academy in Des Plaines, Mary began her career working in clerical positions in downtown Chicago. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, she fulfilled her entrepreneurial dream by owning and operating the Mary Bremer Hallmark Card Shop in downtown Des Plaines. She later joined Holy Family Hospital, where she dedicated 35 years of service, serving first as Gift Shop Manager and later as Volunteer Coordinator. Even after retirement, Mary's generous spirit led her to continue serving the hospital as a volunteer, giving countless hours to an organization she loved.

Mary was a devoted lifelong member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Des Plaines, where she also attended elementary school. Her Catholic faith was the foundation of her life and was reflected in her kindness, compassion, generosity, and unwavering devotion to family and friends.

Mary embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. She loved to read, garden, travel, and cheer on her beloved Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears. She especially treasured her travels to Italy, visiting three times and falling in love with its history, beauty, and culture - especially Florence and Vatican City, which remained among her favorite destinations. She also enjoyed many special trips closer to home, including time spent at the family lakehouse in Wisconsin and later relaxing vacations in Door County, Wisconsin, which became cherished places of rest, laughter, and togetherness.

Although she treasured her many friendships and enjoyed socializing, nothing meant more to Mary than spending time with her family. She celebrated birthdays, holidays, graduations, and everyday moments with genuine interest and unconditional love. She was a constant source of encouragement, wisdom, and laughter, and each member of her family knew how deeply they were loved.

Mary is lovingly survived by her nieces and nephews: Stephen Kohl, Patrick (Kathy) Kohl, Peter (Margaret) Kohl, Kathleen (Brendan) Gaughan, Chick (Myong) Bremer, Mary (Tom) Roland, Betsy (Henry) Schoffen, Bill (Rebecca) Bremer, Patty (Mike) Oswald, Theresa (Bill) Readdy, and Cathy (John) Olson, as well as many beloved great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, and great-great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, S. Charles and Mary Ellen (nee Dunn) Bremer; her brother, Charles Bremer and his wife, Helen; her sister, Geraldine Kohl and her husband, Gene; her great-nephews, Michael Oswald and Charlie Bremer; and her great-niece, Molly Kohl.

Mary's life was a beautiful example of faith, generosity, and unconditional love. She leaves behind countless cherished memories and a legacy that will live on through the family and friends whose lives she touched so deeply.

We will miss her more than words can express, but we are profoundly grateful for the gift of having her so actively involved in our lives. Her love, wisdom, gentle spirit, and unwavering support will remain in our hearts forever.

With all our love,

Your many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Monday, June 29, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass at 10:30 a.m. at the Nazarethville Place Chapel, 300 N. River Rd., Des Plaines, Illinois. Interment and final blessing will take place at All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines, Illinois. Funeral care provided by G.L. Hills Funeral Home. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.