Mary Vandenbroucke

Mary Ruth Vandenbroucke, 93, of Crystal Lake, died Wednesday, October 9, 2013 in Woodstock.

She was born on December 1, 1919 to William O. and Margaret I. (nee Smoot) Freeman in Chicago.

She attended St. Scholastica Academy for Girls in Chicago, graduating in 1938 and then joined the Benedictine order for 15 years. As a Benedictine nun, she attended college at DePaul University, studying English and History, as well as the Chicago Conservatory of Music, receiving a certificate in orchestral conduction and voice. She then taught music and orchestra at St. Scholastica as well as fourth grade at Queen of All Saints.

After leaving the convent she met and married her husband Francis “Fritz”, eventually settling in 1960 with her family in Crystal Lake.

She was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle and then St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parishes for over 53 years. Mary was an active member of many church groups. Among these organizations she served as the President of the St. Thomas Catholic Women’s Club; she was an active member of the St. Thomas choir, Altar and Rosary Society, and the St. Anthony Guild.

In 1972 Mary returned to the workforce and was employed for many years in various positions in Crystal Lake, including Lilliann’s dress shop and with Dr. Lamont Sprague.

Mary is survived by her five children, Mary F. Vandenbroucke, Jean (Ed) McDaniel, Laura (Carlos) Riba, Marguerite Heinz, and Ruth Vandenbroucke; grandchildren, Megan and Emily McDaniel, David Riba, and Christine, Stephanie, and Kathleen Heinz; great grandson, Oliver Lavaty, many nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Francis J. Vandenbroucke; and three sisters, Marguerite I., and Maxine I. Freeman, and Rita H. Feller.

Visitation will be held from 8-10a.m., Saturday, October 12 at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake, where a procession will form. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 451 W. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake. Burial will be held at Crystal Lake Memorial Park following mass.

Memorials may be made to Valley Hi Nursing and Rehabilitation, 2406 Hartland Road, Woodstock, IL 60098, 815-338-0312.

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