With love, we celebrate the life of Mary Dempsey Sullivan, age 97, who passed away peacefully in Lombard, IL, on December 7th.  She is now at rest with her beloved parents Rosabel Dempsey nee Cafferata and Thomas Dempsey and her husband Joseph Sullivan. Also preceding her in death was her first husband and father of their children, William James O'Connell.

As an only child, Mary took immense pride in becoming the matriarch of a family of 71. She was the beloved mother of Chris (Daniel) Corken, Kit (the late Richard) Harris, Mia O'Connell, Bill O'Connell, Tom (Lisa) O'Connell, and Tim (Audra) O'Connell. Mary was a loving grandmother of 19 and adored great-grandmother of 32.

Loving them as if they were her own, Mary was a cherished "Aunt Mare" to the late Ray (Carolyn) O'Connell, Meghan O'Connell, Patty O'Connell, and the late Mark O'Connell, as well as grand-aunt of 4 and great-grand-aunt of 3. The extended family on the Cafferata, Jensen, and Sullivan sides enjoyed time spent with Mary during holidays and trips throughout the years.

Mary spent her whole life building community in Chicago's western suburbs. She was a graduate of Trinity High School and Rosary College in River Forest. In her early years, she was a Marshall Field's department store employee and model as well as an active volunteer in the Caritas Society, eventually moving into a leadership role. She raised six children, building a wonderful family life and curating a beautiful home and garden that was the center of neighborhood fun. Their home, affectionately known as "701", was the setting for many joyful family traditions, lively Italian meals, and summer weddings.

Mary had an eye for art, decor, jewelry, and fashion, which all came together when she and two partners founded their estate sale business, Trunk Line Sales, in the early 1970s and she became a certified appraiser. Later, Mary began traveling the world with her mother, Rosabel, and husband, Joe. On multiple research trips to Italy, she and her mother completed a genealogy of the Cafferata family, dating back to the 1500s.

Mary lived life to the fullest, with a great sense of humor and easy laugh. She was happiest surrounded by friends and family, along with a good meal and Italian wine. She reveled in parties and weddings where she would dance the night away.  She loved celebrating her family, traveling across the country to attend recitals, sports events, graduations, and other memorable moments. There aren't many people as fun as Mary Sullivan. She was blessed with a long, full life, showing us all how to age gracefully with elegance and dignity. Mary will be sorely missed by her many friends and family.

Family and friends will be received at the Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home, 10501 W. Cermak Rd., Westchester on Sunday, December 14, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. All to meet Monday at St. Edmund Church, 188 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park for a 10:00 a.m. Funeral Mass. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. For funeral info 708-F-U-N-E-R-A-L.