Obituary
Mary Rita Wilkans was a self-proclaimed crime junkie known for her humor and resilience. More importantly to Mary, though, she was a mother to Alex and grandmother to Peyton. On May 3, 2021, she passed away suddenly after an aggressive battle with cancer.
Born on September 11, 1962, Mary was chosen weeks later by loving parents John Edward & Rita Rose (Quinn) Morrissey. She grew up in Oak Lawn, Illinois, and graduated from Mother McAuley High School in 1980. Mary then went on to Moraine Valley Community College. Mary spent 37 years in Loss Prevention and a majority of her career with GameStop.
A longtime resident of Port Orange, FL, she recently moved to New Smyrna Beach after retiring early. Known for her integrity and relentless wit, Mary can never be replaced. Although she spent a majority of her life traveling, stability came in the form of her daughter, Alex, whom she shared with former spouse Mark Wilkans. After Alex married Matthew Kearney, Mary’s world opened with the birth of her granddaughter, Peyton Grace Kearney.
Mary is survived by her daughter Alexandra (Matthew) Kearney, granddaughter Peyton, brother Thom Morrissey (Anna), and many cousins. She is preceded in death by her mother, Rita (Quinn) Morrissey, and father, John Edward Morrissey.
A memorial service will be held at Baldwin Brothers in Port Orange, Florida, on May 7, 2021 at 2:00 pm. A Zoom link is provided for those who wish to attend virtually:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3119188658
Meeting ID: 311 918 8658
Passcode: 2s1f7B
Love you Mary!
Silly times
Graduation 1980
I knew Mary from our time working together for years at GameStop, from her work visits, to her sharing great gifts she got during conventions. I can't even count how much wonderful stuff she gave to me, most I still have and treasure even more now. One time when she overheard me talking about a rare video game I was trying to get, told me she knew where to get it and was able to grab one for me! I couldn't thank her enough! Mary was always so helpful and friendly to everyone who worked with her.
So when I heard Mary was gonna make our store her office, I was actually pretty excited! She set up her desk and chair in the back with her Keurig coffee maker, Mary even bought hot chocolate for me a few times to make in it! Though coming into work I'd always have to be careful. Johnny or Miko would tell me Mary was in the back, so I'd have to carefully open the door slowly. She'd be on the phone or laptop busy with work, I hated interrupting her since I tended to open the door a bit loudly. Heh, Mary would say "you sound like a herd of buffalo!" when I'd smack open the back door having no idea she was at her desk. Today we still have that desk, and her very comfy chair in the back. We still call it Mary's desk too. Wrote her name on it and I don't think we'll ever call it anything else.
With how much Mary was loved at work, it's no surprised to see how loved she is here.
Thank you Mary, thank you for making our lives all the better.
I have known her forever in my Gamestop carrier in Florida.
Rita Rose Morrissey, Thom Morrissey & Mary Wilkans
Love you, Mary! Miss you so much.
Love to Alex, Peyton & Mark
At dinner with Mary. She LOVED her fish tacos!