Mary Jane Rubinelli nee Reilley, age 91, of Fox Lake, and a former longtime resident of Oak Park; beloved wife of the late Mario J.; loving mother of Mark (Martha), Robert, Marjorie (John) Principe, Mary (Gary) Magee and Catherine O’Malley and the late Theresa Rubinelli; cherished grandmother of Erin (Rob Merli) and Michael Rubinelli, Maggie Fernandez (Steve) Cin and Carlos Fernandez and Robert and Renée Rubinelli, Bianca, Kara and Teresa Principe, Angela (Scott) Lucas, Gerald (Colleen) Magee, Laura (Gary) Michals and Dan (Lauren) Magee, and Christopher (Jessica) Vivion, Elizabeth Vivion and Molly (Dane) Klee; great-grandmother of 14; dear sister of Marguerite (the late Donald) Gaa and James (Ann) Reilley; fond aunt and great-aunt of many. Visitation 4 to 9 p.m. Thursday, January 5 at Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home, 203 S. Marion St., Oak Park. Prayers Friday 9:15 a.m. to St. Vincent Ferrer Church for Mass at 10 a.m. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Peter’s Church 2118 Main St, Spring Grove, IL 60081 are appreciated. Funeral info: 708-383-3191 or drechslerbrownwilliams.com
Mary Jane Reilley was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. During and after high school, Mary Jane worked for AT&T telephone company for many years until she married her sweetheart, Mario Rubinelli. Mario and Mary Jane moved to Elmwood Park with their first born, Mark, and proceeded to have Bob, Margie, Mary and Cathy. The tiny 2 bedroom house was clearly out-grown, so they moved to a big 5 bedroom home in Oak Park. Soon after, Theresa was born, Mario and Mary Jane’s last child. Sadly, Theresa was born with a serious condition and died at 11 months of age in their arms. The family remembers her fondly, and she is Mary Jane’s little angel.
Mary Jane and Mario generously opened their home to many, always happy to host a celebration and feed a crowd. In addition to their growing brood, they welcomed a young boy, Michael, into their home and nurtured him for many months. He quickly became part of the family. Tearfully, the day came when the family had to say goodbye because it was time for him to go to his other home. Michael returned as a young adult with his wife and baby to visit Mary Jane and Mario and they had a happy reunion.
Mary Jane was a devoted wife and mother who spent her every waking moment meeting the needs of her family with unconditional love and devotion. Cooking, cleaning, mending skinned knees, healing injuries and providing great counsel; she was the greatest mother and caretaker of all. Mary Jane was also the very best friend you could ever have, and she was blessed with many.
Once her children were older, Mary Jane worked for the family business, Rubinelli, Inc., managing the office for many years. Everyone loved working with Mary Jane because she was kind and caring and got the job done.
Mary Jane lost her sweetheart, Mario, too early and retired a widow. She always missed him, but Irish eyes keep smiling. Mary Jane went on and spent the last of her years delighting her family and friends in Arizona and Fox Lake.
Mom, we love you and thank you for all of your goodness.
In the words you always said as we parted,
“God bless.”
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Previous Events
Visitation
5
Jan
203 South Marion Street
Oak Park, IL 60302
Funeral Mass
6
Jan
1530 Jackson Avenue
River Forest, IL 60305
Prayers at 9:15 a.m. at the funeral home.
Cemetery Details
Location
1400 S Wolf Rd
Hillside, IL 60162
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
2118 Main Street
Spring Grove, IL 60081