Mary Sheila Breen

Mary was born in 1939 in Evanston, IL, and attended Niles High School, Skokie, IL, where she graduated in 1956. She attended Ripon College, Ripon, WI, where she met her husband of 64 years, Bill.

Mary was a devoted wife and mother, managing lively households for her husband and their two kids, James and Erin, in Ithaca, NY, West Lafayette, IN, and Evanston, IL, as the family charted its course through her husband Bill’s career in academics.

As her children grew to adulthood, Mary was able to devote more time to her passion for the arts. Mary was an accomplished sculptor and weaver, having trained at the Evanston Art Center, and the North Shore Weaver’s Guild. She was also very active as a docent at the Terra Museum of American Art for many years.

Mary was an avid dog lover and was “mom” to several wonderful dogs through the years. Those who lived in Northeast Evanston in the 1980’s may recall the sight of 5 foot nothing Mary walking her ginormous and beloved Irish Wolfhound, Guinness, down Sheridan Rd. This sight would occasionally stop traffic.

Mary was also very involved in Water Aerobics, enthusiastically participating in classes at the Michigan Shores Club, and leading classes at her Winter residence in Ft. Myers Beach, FL. Mary also maintained a lovely vacation home in St. Croix, USVI, where the family spent many happy times. The beach at Gentle Winds in St. Croix was her true “happy place”.

Mary is survived by her son James (Pam), her grandchildren Margaret, and William, her step grandchildren MacKenzie (Kirt), Audrey (Bennett). she was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years William, her daughter Erin (John) and her parents Thomas and Elsa.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association.