Mary Lou Andrade

Mary Lou Andrade (nee Mauro) 

Age 81, surrounded by the love of her children and the comfort of her home, Mary Lou peacefully reunited with and completed her immediate heavenly family on December 12, 2024, after a year-long battle with a serious illness. Throughout her journey, she faced every challenge with remarkable strength, unwavering courage, and the might of a giant, all while remaining the humble, gentle soul she was. 

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, David Andrade, Sr. (2000); her parents, Anthony and Mary (Ragusa) Mauro; and her sisters, Annamarie Borio (Charles) and Antoinette Mauro. 

She is survived by her children, David (Nancy) Andrade, Jr., Shelly (Kenneth) Minor, Sr., Lauri (Americo, Jr.) Petrongelli, and Anthony Andrade; 14 cherished grandchildren, Kendyl (Christopher) Lincoln, Kelly (Justin) Sekhon, Luke (Olivia) Andrade, Nicholas (Rachel) Andrade, Kinsey (Eric) Garavaglia, Alexus (Thomas) Demma, Rachel (Matthew) Ryan, Kenneth (Alexa) Minor, Jr., Americo Petrongelli III, Samuel Andrade, Adelaide Andrade, Eleanor Andrade, Anton Andrade, and Amelia Andrade; 11 beloved great-grandchildren, with 3 on the way; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at Maureen’s Angels, Silver Cross, and Lightways, especially Mary Rahilly, Cassandra, and Kristen. A special thank you goes to Ethel Ruiz, who became like family during this challenging time. Ethel stayed with Mary Lou around the clock, never taking time off, and did everything possible to ensure Mary Lou’s transition was peaceful and filled with love. 

Born and raised in Joliet, Mary Lou spent her entire life there. For over 60 years, she worked as a beautician, turning her home into a beauty salon. Saturdays were filled with customers gathered in her kitchen, enjoying lively conversations and, more importantly, feeling heard and supported by her. She had a gift for making others feel beautiful from the inside out and often went above and beyond to help, whether it was offering rides to shut-ins or traveling to care for others, always prioritizing their needs over her own. 

Mary Lou’s legacy is defined by her selflessness, steadfast devotion, and boundless capacity for forgiveness. She devoted many years to caring for her husband during his 16-year struggle with a debilitating illness and extended the same care to her parents and sisters when they were no longer able to care for themselves. Above all, Mary Lou cherished her role in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, known affectionately as Nonna, Nonnie, and Grandma Lou. She showed her love through the meals she lovingly prepared—whether making sugo to-go, baking desserts for family celebrations, or organizing the assembly line for enchiladas (enchies)—moments that brought the family together and created lasting memories. Traditions were an important part of her life, and she carried them on, passing down celebrations like Pasta Sundays to the next generation.  

Other favorite pastimes of Mary Lou included being on the forefront of reality TV phenomenon, indulging in fan favorites of the Kardashians and 90-Day Fiancé and the connoisseur of people-watching. Mary Lou's mantra was that material possessions cannot be taken beyond this world, but she left behind the one true wealth that endures: limitless love, care, and kindness. 

The family will receive friends at Kurtz Memorial Chapel 102 E. Francis Rd, New Lenox, IL on Monday, December 16, 2024, from 3 pm – 8pm with Vigil Service at 7:30 pm. Funeral Services Tuesday, December 17, 2024, with prayers at the funeral home at 9:30 am then to St. Jude Catholic Church, New Lenox, IL for Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am. Interment to follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Joliet, IL.