Mary Bendig Obituary

Bendig, Mary H. (nee Steen) 84, of Chicago, and later Niles. Beloved, dedicated wife of 57 years to the late Raymond J.; loving mother of Brian (Ruth), Raymond G. (Colleen), Alice (Robert Yedinak), and Marie (Carl Hays); proud grandmother of Cullan, Charlotte, Brigid, Christopher, Rory, Joseph, and Caroline; cherished daughter of the late John and the late Brigid (nee McRory); dear sister of the late Shaun (Mary Ann) Steen, the late Frances Steen, and Glenmary brother Joseph Steen; loving sister-in-law of the late William (the late Rosemary) and the late Marilyn (the late Terry Laughlin); fond aunt of many. The daughter of hard-working Irish immigrants, Mary was born and raised on Chicago's West Side, where she attended Austin's Resurrection grade school in the same class as her future husband, graduated from Siena High School, and often traveled up to the Hub Roller Rink on Harlem Avenue. Once her children were raised, she earned a bachelor's degree in education from Northeastern Illinois University. Mary was an avid reader, especially of newspapers, histories, biographies, and true crime. She first showed signs of her curiosity as a small girl when, to the dismay of her mother, she performed abdominal surgery on a baby doll to see what was making it cry. Mary displayed her handiness in a lifetime of sewing; as the only woman in a woodcarving class for seniors; and, in her final days, in her explanations to family members and medical caregivers on how to best work a wheelchair, help her change her clothes, and accurately check her oxygen level. She was pro-life, pro-peace, pro-labor, and never hesitant to strike up a conversation with a stranger. Mary did appreciate it if you did not call her during Chicago Tonight or 60 Minutes. For most of her life, she was a distance walker who maintained a steady pace, and, even during her final years dealing with blood cancer, she could be found "pushing myself" walking the halls and indoor garage of the Renaissance condo building. In her last year, Mary guided her husband through his own unexpected illness and resulting death. In her final month, she gave those who loved her one last gift by demonstrating how to die with patience and dignity. Mary was a devout Catholic whose faith informed her decision making. At a later date, a memorial mass will be held, and her cremains will be inurned at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside, where her husband and parents rest.