Mary Dolores (Gryfinski) Kayfish

Mary Dolores Kayfish

Age 92 of Joliet, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020 at her home with her family by her side.

Born February 25, 1928 in Joliet, Mary Dolores was a daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Nijak) Gryfinski. She was raised and educated in Joliet and graduated from St. Francis Academy with the class of 1946. Following High School she worked as telephone operator for Illinois Bell and was then promoted to supervisor. During her time with Illinois Bell, Mary was dating a young man named Anthony Kayfish who was proudly serving in the United States Army during World War II. Following his time in the service, Mary and Anthony were happily married on November 20, 1948 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Joliet. Together they made their home and raised their family.

Mary was a woman of faith and longtime parishioner of St. Mary Immaculate Parish in Plainfield. She was both homemaker and caretaker throughout her life and in her free time enjoyed traveling, dancing and cooking. Her number one priority was always her family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Mary is survived by her four children: Antonette Lund of Charlotte, North Carolina, Sharon (Jim) Sullivan of Woodstock, Georgia, Anthony Joseph “Joe” (Lori) Kayfish of Oxford, Michigan and Diane (Scott) McMillan of Sherrard, Illinois; grandchildren: Brandon (Aubree) Lund, Amber (David) Gaffney, Ryan Sowala, Elizabeth, Alex and Robert Kayfish, Allison Wilson, and Jonathan and Grace McMillan; five great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 62 years, Anthony Kayfish who passed away in 2011; parents: Joseph and Sarah, and five siblings.

Per Mary’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded.

She will be laid to rest with her husband at St. Mary Nativity Cemetery in Crest Hill at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Joliet Area Community Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431.