Mary Ann Gregorich (nee Russ)

Mary Ann Gregorich (nee Russ), a beloved member of the Joliet  community, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2024, at the age of 93. A devout and lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mary Ann found great joy in her faith and actively participated in the Rosarian and Altar and Rosary Societies. Her commitment to her church family was unwavering, and she will be dearly missed by all who knew her within the parish. 

 Mary Ann's generosity and compassion extended beyond the church walls as she was also a cherished member of the Joliet Rivals Club Auxiliary. Her dedication to service and her warm spirit touched the lives of many in the community.

On June 9th, 1956, Mary Ann married the love of her life, Dr. Carl Gregorich. Together, they built a life centered around love, faith, and service to others. Mary Ann worked alongside her husband as his receptionist in his podiatry practice, where her kindness and professionalism left a lasting impact. Mary Ann had a generous heart beyond measure. Not a day would go by without her driving friends daily or to Sunday Mass, to get groceries or a meal together or to help someone get to an appointment. She thoroughly and genuinely enjoyed lending a helping hand and her time and knew no strangers and would happily assist anyone in need.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 34 years, Dr. Carl Gregorich, and her parents, Anton B. and Mary D. (nee Fabian) Russ, as well as her siblings: Tony (the late Joan) Russ, Zeke Russ, Gertrude (the late Ronald) Shroba, Lucy (the late Jerry) Pagorski and A special great niece Claire Morris. 

She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories that will be carried on by her sisters, Kay (Jerry) Whiteley, Diane (the late Mickey) Budzinski, Linda (the late Pete) Sartori, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family will be ever grateful to the staff and care givers on 6^th Ave and activities leaders at Sunny Hill for their compassion and wonderful care for Mary Ann.

A visitation to celebrate Mary Ann's life will be held on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, from 9:30 am to 10:30 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest with her husband Carl.

In lieu of flowers donations in Mary Ann’s memory may be made to Friends of Sunny Hill and Lightways Hospice.