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1927
2014
Cahill, Mary Ann Age 87, of McHenry, passed away peacefully Sunday, October 26, 2014. She was born in Chicago on June 10, 1927, the daughter of John William and Olivia (Spoerlein) Phalen. She married the late Charles "Chuck" Cahill on June 5, 1948 in Chicago, IL. Chuck and Mary Ann built their dream home - one big enough for all the kids, in Libertyville, IL. For the last 25 years she lived in McHenry in a home built on land she and Chuck purchased as a young couple as an investment for their future. Mary Ann's life was defined by family, her Catholic Faith, particularly the Church's Social gospel, a lively intelligence that kept her involved with the world until the day she died, and the cause of her life, La Leche League. She was one of the founders in 1956 of the League, which grew from a group of seven mothers in Franklin Park, IL to a world wide organization dedicated to "Good Mothering Through Breastfeeding". Mary Ann wrote the first manual for the League after the women decided they could no longer keep up with the demand for information by writing individual letters back to the many mothers asking for help. She was the author of "Seven Voices, One Dream," an oral history of the League in the words of the founders, "The Heart Has Its Own Reasons," mothering wisdom for the 1980's, and numerous articles. She was an emeritus member of the Board. Mary Ann lived her faith, which showed in her daily Mass attendance and her personal, active commitment to making the world a better place, a commitment she passed on to her children and grandchildren. She embraced the special charism of the laity from Vatican II. She and Chuck were leaders in the Christian Family Movement at St. Joseph's in Libertyville, and she helped establish the St. Vincent De Paul Society at the Church of Holy Apostles in McHenry. On September 14, 2014 she was recognized as A Catholic Woman of Inspiration by the McHenry Deanery Council of Catholic Women. Mary Ann is survived by a very special sister-in-law, Ann Phalen, and her children, Robert (Julie) Cahill, Elizabeth (Jerry) Rickert, Timothy Cahill, Teresa (Dean) Braun, Mary (Bob) Sislow, Joseph (Martha) Cahill, Margaret (Dennis) Fisk, Charlene "Charlie" (Bob) DeVries, Frances Cahill and Janet Buhrman (Rich Osnoss), who lived with the family during her elementary years and has been at the family table ever since. Mary Ann had 20 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her two brothers, Francis and William; and her husband, Chuck, on May 25, 1978. The visitation will be held Friday, October 31, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Colonial Funeral Home and Crematory, 591 Ridgeview Dr., McHenry, IL 60050. The visitation will continue Saturday, November 1, 2014 at the Church of Holy Apostles from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. Funeral Mass. Interment will be private. If desired, memorials may be made to La Leche League or the Saint Vincent DePaul Society at Church of Holy Apostles. For info contact funeral home at 815-385-0063 or log onto www.colonialmchenry.com.
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Remembering Mary Ann today on the anniversary of her death. She was such an inspiration to breastfeeding mothers and mentor to us La Leche League Leaders! I remember meeting her once at a La Leche League Area Conference. She was warm and personable and seemed genuinely interested in all the moms she talked to. What a wonderful, accomplished woman she was!
Candy Davis
October 24, 2021
I was out of the country when Mrs Cahill passed last year and just today learned of her death. I grew up with her family, her son Bob and daughter Elizabeth were my childhood friends. My mother, Aleatha Mueller was one of her LaLeche colleagues. My father, Richard Mueller died within 30 days of Mr Cahill. I am sorry to hear of her passing and thank her and my parents generation for enriching all of our lives. Myself a grandmother I pass on her legacy of the LaLeche message whenever I can. THANK YOU Mrs Cahill! Mary Ellen (Mueller) Donovan 630-347-1299
February 12, 2015
Mary Ann touched the lives of so many. She was a role model for those of us who dedicated our lives as La Leche Leaders for more than 50 yrs. The world has been a better place because of her. Love, Marie Nielsen Toms River NJ
November 5, 2014
Mary Ann's life will be remembered and revered by those of us who used the original Womanly Art of Breastfeeding as a guide when there was so little information available about breastfeeding. Her efforts, and the other founding mothers of LLL, will live on in the hearts and arms of mothers and babies as they enjoy "the womanly art of breastfeeding".
Vicki Honer
November 3, 2014
While i never met Mrs. Cahill personally, She has touched me through la leche league. My mom used to go to meetings in the 80's, and i go now. My pediatrician says that the seven founding ladies should win the Nobel prize for the impact they made in worldwide health, and i agree.
Heather Sanchez
November 2, 2014
We send our thoughts and prayers to the Cahill family during this very sad time. Mothers are often the center post of family unity, and her large family was the heart of Mary Ann's life. May you all draw strength and consolation from one another and knowing your mother leaves behind a legacy of family, charity, and faith.
Jennie and Gordon Nesseth (Julie Cahill's sister)
Jennie Nesseth
November 2, 2014
Dear Cahill Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. She must have been such a wonderful person. Previous commitments prevent me from being there for Charlie, my friend and colleague, however, my prayers are with you. God Bless
Fran Wilson
November 1, 2014
Condolences to all who loved her. She touched many lives and her legacy lives on in every mother and baby who benefits from La Leche League past, present and future.
November 1, 2014
Aunt Mary Ann,
You will be dearly missed by us your family, and all you touched with your wisdom and gracious nature. I hope we can all continue to pass on your wisdom to others.
Elizabeth Phalen
October 31, 2014
It is difficult for me to keep my words about my friendship with Mary Ann Cahill down to a minimum but I will try. Mary Ann & I became fast friends several years ago when I joined St.Vincent de Paul and she helped to train me. There could not have had a more appropriate mentor than her unless it was Mother Teresa. She was the most compassionate woman I have ever known. she listened to people with her whole heart , praying with them again with her whole heart and finally moving mountains to assist them in whatever was their need. In later years when Mary Ann was no longer able to drive at night to go on home visits or carry the groceries up and down stairs leading into our clients homes, she accompanied others of us and continued to work in this ministry until she was no longer able. Then she became our "scribe" . She would approach one of us after morning mass , looking for any kind of story we might have about a "house call" we were on . She would take our simple stories and turn them into prose and each week, everyone looked forward to reading these beautiful stories in our church bulletin. Mary Ann helped me to write talks that I had to give and had a way of putting me at ease about any task that I might have to do. We prayed together , we laughed together and my favorite time with her was when I had the honor of being among the many who brought her Communion during the last months of her life. These occasions were so very moving for me to witness the way she loved Jesus and how receiving HIM in the sacrament of the Eucharist visually changed her. Oh, what a spiritual experience those times were for me. Thank you Love for bringing Mary Ann Cahill into my life and allowing me to be her friend. She made such a difference in my life.!
Sheila Garrity Douglas
October 31, 2014
The world has lost a sweet spirit. She gave so many mothers the gift of being confident in their ability to mother their babies. I am a better mother because of the lessons I learned at La Leche League. Rest in peace dear lady.
barbara whitehead
October 31, 2014
Dear Cahill Family,
I am so sorry about your loss. May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time. (John 5:28)
D Gardner
October 31, 2014
My two year old son, Gregory died in 1995 and Mary Ann called me personally. I was a La Leche League leader and she cried with me over the phone. I was deep in my grief and shock, yet honored at the same time. "I cannot speak" I said to her. "Oh but one day you will. One day you will stand up and speak and everyone will listen." I have never forgotten that incredibly sweet and hopeful thing she said to me and I was sure to hug her tight and remind of of that every time I saw her in later years. Thank you Mary Ann Cahill, for changing the world and for changing me. Much love, Ann Conlon-Smith, Raleigh NC
Ann Conlon-Smith
October 31, 2014
Our most sincere condolences Mary Ann's family. She will always be remembered for all she did for mothers around the world through her tireless efforts in La Leche League. Sue, Samantha, Alesha, Chris, Lucia and the mothers and babies of La Leche League of Toms River, NJ
Sue Hudler
October 31, 2014
Good bless you for all you did for breastfeeding mothers. I was a leader back in 1980's and early 1990. You were truly an inspiration to us all.
Barbara Solinski
October 31, 2014
Meeting Mary Ann Cahill and her sister founders of La Leche League was a highlight of my life. She was an integral part of that team of women who changed the world, one breastfeeding family at a time. I will be forever grateful. My heart goes out to her family and friends.
Pam Roe
October 31, 2014
I stood in the cafeteria line in front of Mary Ann at a La Leche League of Texas conference back in the early 1980s, and always fondly remembered the friendly, funny conversation I had with her. When I became a LLL Leader, I was proud to have contributed a story to The Heart Has Its Own Reasons. Mary Ann and the other founders of LLL have been huge inspirations and role models for my life's work and in the raising of my own family. May God bless her. Barbara Wilson-Clay, IBCLC
October 31, 2014
I was very sad to learn of Mary Ann Cahill's death. As a La Leche League Leader of 30 years (and counting), I was so inspired by her writings, which helped me to become a better mother. Meeting her in person at a LLL conference, I found her to be motherly and kind--a real role model. My heart goes out to her family and close friends as you all begin to mourn and remember her.
Candy Davis
October 31, 2014
I met Mary Ann's son Tim when he was a young intern at Saint Francis hospital in Evanston. He shared his mother's philosophy about the importance of breastfeeding our babies. The message stayed with me when I gave birth to my daughter several years later. I found support and encouragement in Mary Ann's books. I have since given her books to my 24 year old daughter who recently had a baby. Mary Ann's message is timeless, and her work as a La Leche League founder lives on forever. Thank you Mary Ann, for educating and encouraging women to value this important gift to our children; "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding".
Deborah Zehr
October 31, 2014
Mary Ann leaves a legacy of her family and of mothers for many decades around the entire world. What a legacy indeed. May the family be blessed and sustained by their memories and thank you so much for sharing her with the rest of us. God Bless. - Sally Adams
October 31, 2014
Thank you for your legacy. As a mother who struggled to nurse both her babies and succeeded, La Leche League has had a huge effect on my life and my entire mothering experience. LLL has done so much for my little family, it has shaped our parenting philosophies and brought us together with other wonderful families. You will never be forgotten!
Elisabeth Epperson
October 30, 2014
I only knew Mary Ann from afar. I am indebted to her and the other six founding mothers for their dedication and selflessness in spreading their knowledge of breast feeding as well as enlisting professionals to impart connecting information. My family and my children's families have/are benefitting from the love and knowledge handed down since 1979 - when I attended my fist meeting in Woodbury, N.J. followed by continuing in groups wherever my husband's career took us: Piscataway, N.J., Trenton, N.J., Crystal Lake, Illinois, and, finally Mansfield, OH.
My sincere condolences to her family and friends on the loss of such a treasure.
Anne D'Ambrosio
October 30, 2014
What a gift Mary Ann was, not only to her family, but to mothers everywhere. Thank you for leaving such a wonderful legacy with LLL.
Liv Radue
October 30, 2014
I have tears in my eyes as I write this.
Not because Mary Ann is gone; because what she gave lives on and has made such a difference -- in my life, in my children's lives, in their children's lives -- in the lives of all those many women who became LLL Leaders for a time, and all the lives they have touched.
We are grateful for the practical information and support that helped us breastfeed our babies. But it came with so much more.
"Mother the mother, so she can mother the child."
"Eat a wide variety of whole foods in as close to their natural state as possible."
"Accept each mother where she is, with no judgment or lecturing."
"Listen first, then answer questions directly and factually. Only when she is ready, offer new ideas and suggestions ."
"Raise children who are kind, responsible, and healthy."
Mary Ann and the other founders who entered our lives to help us breastfeed our babies helped us learn how to live whole lives.
Thank you for sharing her with us.
My tears are gratitude for what Mary Ann gave.
Penny Geis
October 30, 2014
Dear Mary Ann,
I shared with you once at an LLL Conference that you were one of the most influential women in my life. Your book "The Heart Has It's Own Reasons" deeply impacted me and the lives of my three daughters. Thank-you, forever! LLLove, Lydia
Lydia Smith-Davis
October 30, 2014
Mary Ann was a role model for my mothering. I'm honored to have known her!
RoJean Loucks
October 30, 2014
Rest in peace Mary Ann. We will continue to support LLL with all our heart.
Sincerest condolences to all your family.
Sylvie Ricochon and Sophie Chevalier ACL with Leaders from LLLFrance
Sophie Chevalier
October 30, 2014
Farewell and THANK YOU. You helped me realize my role as a mother and the joy it brings.
Theresa Weigel
October 30, 2014
Mary Ann has touched our hearts and our lives. Many thanks to the Cahill family for sharing such a treasure with her LLL family.
Amy Shaw
October 30, 2014
Thank you Mary Ann for your part in creating La Leche League. Your infectious smile will be missed.
Renee' DiGregorio, LLL Leader
October 30, 2014
My deepest condolences to the Cahill family. Mary Ann was an inspiration to all of us in La Leche League and I feel honoured to have met her. Her wisdom, humor and grace will always be with me.
Lavinia Belli, LLL Leader
Norway
October 30, 2014
Mary Ann will be missed by all, but especially by those she blessed with her wonderful gentleness and humor.
The world is a better place because she was here.
Patty Spanjer
October 30, 2014
Mary Ann's loving kindness, dedication, leadership, writing talent, & so much more has been such an inspiration to so many LLL Leaders throughout the world. Much sympathy to the family--one of my favorite memories of Mary Ann is during the wonderful time we enjoyed with her in 2011 at the LLL Alumnae trip to St. Augustine. She seemed so happy to be at the place where the name of La Leche League was born. Pam Oselka, LLL Leader for many years.
Pam Oselka
October 30, 2014
My deepest sympathy to your family. I met Mary Ann many years ago and my "Womanly Art of Breastfeeding" was signed by her. She was a true inspiration to following your heart when it came to mothering. What a lovely woman.
Ruth Lee, former LLL leader, Pittsburgh
October 30, 2014
Rest in Peace Mary Ann and thank you for your role with LLLI when I was a young mom and new Leader.
October 30, 2014
My deepest condoleances to the Cahill-family. It was an honour and a pleasure to work with her on the board. Always strong, always gentle, with a great sense of humour. She will be missed!
Lydia de Raad
LLLI Board Co-Chairman
Lydia de Raad
October 30, 2014
Thank you Mary Ann, for all your LLL Love and Leadership.
Candace Hill
October 30, 2014
Mary Ann's work with La Leche League changed my life as it did so many others. I was lucky enough to spend time with her at a conference a few years ago, and she impressed me with her sense of humour and energy. She will be deeply missed.
Teresa Pitman
October 30, 2014
I am so blessed to have had Mom Cahill in my life. She will surely be missed. I will never forget when she came to visit Charlie and me at ISU - love this woman!
Liz Stade
October 30, 2014
Mary Ann was an inspiration to so many others -- and so many mothers! Her faith-filled life and her powerful use and exercise of that faith gives us an example of how to be workers in God's vineyards.
My sympathies to all her family and dear friends at losing her.
Mimi Desjarlais, LLL Leader
October 30, 2014
I met her many years ago at a LaLeche conference in Chicago. I cried because I was so grateful to her and her friends who had started LaLeche. May she rest in peace. malcolm kelly (Mrs. W.P.Kelly) of Louisville, KY
October 30, 2014
Deepest Sympathies to Mary Ann's family and close friends. She will be missed within the LLLI community and especially by those of us who had the honor of serving with her on the LLLI Board. She will always be in the hearts of those of us who strive to carry forward the work that she and the Founders started.
Sincerely,
Anne Batterjee
LLLI Board of Directors; VC
October 30, 2014
My deep sympathy to Mary Ann's family. We will miss her wit, wisdom, and gentle ways.
Linda Anderson
LLLI Board Co-Chairman
Linda Anderson
October 29, 2014
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