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Mary McGuire Obituary
The news traveled fast Thursday on Instagram from Butch McGuire's Saloon: "Our beloved matriarch, Mary Jo McGuire, passed away last night. Although her warmth and humor will be missed more than words can express, her legacy lives on in her family and the great Butch McGuire's family that she created. Surely she is in heaven, reunited with Butch and raising a glass to a life well lived. Celebrate her spirit with us by doing something nice for someone you love, a complete stranger or an animal in need of rescue. She would appreciate it." By Saturday, more than 800 had responded. Mary Jo Donovan McGuire, 85, took over the saloon when Butch died in 2006. They had been married 42 years. Now operated by her son, Robert McGuire Jr., she remained involved in the family business until the day she died. She was blessed with an infectious laugh and many friends. The McGuires' regular Monday night fried chicken dinners fed body and soul. Once a friend, always a friend. Mary Jo was born and raised in Albert Lea, Minnesota. After graduating from Marquette University, she worked several lively years as an American Airlines stewardess. During this time she met Butch while perched on one of the bar stools he generously reserved for single women in the neighborhood. They had a long and loving marriage filled with laughter and lasting friendships. Mary Jo was a devout Catholic who found great comfort in her faith. She was also an irreverent and beloved grandmother who found her greatest joy in the love of her 7 grandchildren. She leaves a daughter, Lauretta (Bruce) Stewart of Potomac, Md., two sons, Bobby (Rachel) McGuire of Chicago, and Terrance (Lisa) McGuire of Aspen, Co.; seven grandchildren, Patrick, Connor, Riley and Cate Stewart and Maggie, Maeve and Hayes McGuire; her sister, Marcia Nicely of Kansas City and sister-in-law Janet McGuire of Chicago. Funeral Services are private and will be celebrated by His Excellency, the Most Reverend William Byrne, Bishop of Springfield, MA at St. Joseph Catholic Church. (The Mass will be live streamed on a Zoom link on Thursday, February 18, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. – the link can be found at www.conboywestchesterfh.com – Mary Jo McGuire's Obituary). Interment Calvary Cemetery private. Arrangements entrusted to Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home. For info 708-F-U-N-E-R-A-L.
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Memories and Condolences
for Mary McGuire
Sponsored by Chicago Sun-Times.
Nancy K. Stewart
February 27, 2025
I miss you everyday Mary. Love, Nanci
Linda Forney
May 5, 2021
Happy Birthday, M.J., We celebrated so many of ours together with champagne, caviar, laughter, and tons of friends. You will be celebrating with Butch this year. Give him my love. I will always miss you.
Vincent McClain
February 18, 2021
Delavan Wisconsin 1975 the only lake front home with a front porch full size fridge full of mini Millers and a juke Box you could hear across the lake blasting the Eagle's Hotel California And in the middle of it all Aunt Mary Jo needle pointing !
Patricia Boykin
February 18, 2021
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Irene O'Leary Van Beckum
February 17, 2021
So sorry. to hear of your Mother's death. I met her at St. Mary's and we became roommates at Marquette. She was in my wedding! I made several attempt to visit with her, but it never happened. We had so many good times---she will never be forgotten!
Gayl Hacket
February 17, 2021
Thanks for wonderful Chicago memories. We are grateful to the Robertson's for introducing us to you. We'll raise a glass to you & Butch. Our thought & prayers are with the family.
Gayl & Jim Hackett
Janet L. McGuire
February 17, 2021
Dear Lauretta,Bobby,Terrance and the whole family. This is a very sad time for every one. I have so many wonderful memories of times spent with Mary Jo.She and Butch were always there for others.She will be missed by many. Aunt Janet
Nancy (Nanci) Stewart
February 17, 2021
My deepest and most heartfelt sympathy to
the family of dear Mary Jo a wonderful friend
since 1960 - meeting one another at the
Stewardess School in Ft. Worth, Texas. What joy and fun we had. A lifetime of
friendship. She is very missed.
From the Staff of Conboy's Westchester Funeral Home
February 17, 2021
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home - Westchester10501 W. Cermak, Westchester, IL 60154
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