Obituary
Mary J Gualano passed away on April 2, 2024. Mary was born with a bang at home in River Grove, Illinois to Mae and Carroll Schroeder on July 4th, 1933. The youngest of the family, she sold eggs at the local tavern to make extra money to help out. Because of her classy, good looks and her outgoing personality, when she grew up, she would start modeling.
On a blind date on April 1st, 1957, she would meet her soon-to-be husband Ermano (aka Babe) Gualano. They would have four children Anthony, James, Joseph, and Lisa. Living in Chicago she was a stay-at-home mom, very involved in the school PTO, bowling and learning to cook incredible Italian food from her mother in-law. Mary would later pass those Italian recipes and traditions down to her children. To say there was a lot of family gatherings, after the loss of both of Mary and Ermano’s fathers, would be an understatement. Both sides of the family would get together often with plenty of good food, love, and laughter.
Later they would move from Chicago to Barrington Hills, where they bought a fixer upper home on two acres. This would be where the kids would grow up with several pets: three dogs, cats, chickens, a rooster, rabbits, ducks and even a goat. Mary went back to work waitressing, her caring and fun-loving personality made for a lot of repeat customers and good tips. After several accidents on the fire department Ermano became disabled and unable to work.
The kids grew up and moved out of the Barrington Hills home. James got married and shortly added two grandsons (Rocco and Nickolas Gualano) to the mix. Ermano and Mary built a home in Hudson, Florida near friends and the parties continued. The 1990’s brought Lisa and Dan moving to Florida and getting married. Joe and Sue were married in 1999. Early in the 2000’s brought 3 more grandchildren one year apart, Deana (to Lisa & Dan) Josie (to Joe and Sue) and Chris (to Lisa and Dan). Wanting to see their grandchildren grow up they moved into The Villagio in Estero, Florida. Where they quickly made friends and enjoyed the many community activities. Mary found work and an extended work family at Dillard’s, also becoming an award-winning employee. They made many trips back to Illinois over the years to see family, friends, and continued to make good memories.
After 56 years of marriage Ermano passed away in December of 2013. With the love of family and friends Mary continued to enjoy life. The family would lose many of its beloved members (Mary’s mother, brothers, sister, and other family) each one leaving memories and love. Our tough loss would come to soon with the passing of her beloved son and our beloved brother, Anthony (Tony) in 2020. Still our strength and love of life would get us through the dark times. She was able see all her grandchildren graduated high school, turn 21, and her oldest grandson Rocco fall in love and marry Shaughnessy.
We were able to celebrate Mary’s 90th Birthday with the whole family coming to Florida to celebrate her. Still parties seemed to be happening when Mary was around. Even after having to move to assisted living, she made many friends, so many they had to increase the size of the dining room table so they could sit with her.
Mary Gualano is survived by her sons Jim Gualano, Joe (Sue) Gualano and daughter Lisa (Daniel) Swanson, grandchildren Rocco (Shaughnessy) Gualano, Nickolas Gualano, Deana Swanson, Josie Gualano, Chris Swanson.
Her light and love will always shine.
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