Mary Roush Obituary

Mary Jean Roush, longtime resident of Downers Grove, passed away peacefully on Palm Sunday afternoon surrounded by her loved ones. She was best known for her love of family and children. She had an illustrious career as a kindergarten teacher in the Downers Grove District, where she taught at both Lincoln and Hillcrest Elementary Schools. She was awarded Teacher of the Year in 1982. She often stated that she loved teaching kindergarten because the children wore their hearts on their sleeves. She enjoyed music and playing the piano, and she was known for her artistic flair and her creative Halloween costumes. Mary was born as Mary Jean Willman in Owosso, Michigan, on September 10, 1924. She was the youngest of five daughters, and education was emphasized in her home. Her father was the superintendent of schools, and all five daughters graduated from college. Mary met her future husband, Roy Roush, at Michigan State University, where she was a member of Kappa Delta sorority, and they were married in 1946 at the Willman summer cottage on Mullett Lake in northern Michigan. Fifty years later at the same location, they celebrated their fiftieth anniversary with their children and grandchildren. Mary and Roy had two daughters, Sue (Roush) Devick, of Oak Brook, Il., and Marty (Roush) Winchell, of Annapolis, Md. Sue states, "My mom had the heart of Mother Theresa, the smile of Julia Roberts, and she could cook like Martha Stewart." Marty notes that their home was always open to family and friends. When Marty and Sue were in high school, the family hosted an exchange student from South Africa, Marie Von Straaten. Marie became a close-knit part of their family, a position that she still maintains. Marie, who returned to her native South Africa, visited the family twice since her year-long stay in Downers Grove, and Mary and Roy also visited Marie in South Africa. Mary spent her summers at her beloved cottage on Mullett Lake, Michigan. She loved the local flora and wildlife, and when she arrived at the beginning of each summer, the birds and animals always appeared as if to welcome her. She regularly attended concerts at Bay View in Petoskey, and she supported several local charities including the Little Traverse Conservancy. Mary was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Downers Grove. She participated in J.O.Y (Jesus, Others, and Yourself) as a young adult, and she later attended Young at Heart meetings. She forged many friendships within the church, and she particularly appreciated the talent of the musicians and various choirs, including the bell choirs. Mary was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma approximately one year ago. She passed away at Sunrise of Willowbrook on March 16, 2008. Mary is survived by her sister, Dorothy Lausten; two daughters, Susan Devick and Martha Winchell; five granddaughters, Dr. Jennifer LaBonte, Erin Winchell Koval, Samantha Devick, Ashley Devick, and Lindsay Devick; and triplet great-grandchildren, Luke, Cecilia, and Jillian LaBonte. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 12, at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church at Main and Maple in Downers Grove. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to A Silver Lining Foundation, 134 N. LaSalle, Suite 1218, Chicago, Il. 60602.