Mary Therese Worley

Mary T. Christopher Worley passed away January 15, 2026, at Alpine Fireside Health Center. Mary was born June 26,1931 to Leo and Hazel (Murray) Christopher in Shullsburg, WI. She graduated in 1949 from Shullsburg High School. Sometime after graduating high school, she traveled to Boston with her sister Betty and their mutual friend Joyce, working in a candy factory for a few weeks. Returning to the Midwest, Mary went to Cosmetology school, getting her diploma in 1954. She worked in a beauty shop in Nora, IL for a couple of years, living in Apple River during the week and spending the weekends with her dad in Shullsburg.

In 1956 Mary started working for Micro Switch in Warren, IL. Nine years later she was offered a position at the Freeport plant in Freeport, IL. She moved to Freeport to take the job, working there until an early retirement in 1986.
Mary was married, February 14,1975. Sadly, the marriage was brief, lasting only nine months. On September 24, 1975, her husband Henry (Hank) Worley was killed in a tragic accident. This union came with stepchildren, whom to this day some still had a loving relationship with Mary. Bob (Sherry) Worley, his three daughters: Amber, Rachel, April and their mother Lynn were especially close to Mary, even calling her MA.

After her retirement Mary worked many odd jobs: selling flowers for Sullivans, Anne's Nursey, hostess at the Landmark restaurant and a retail food demonstrator. She was the true definition of the saying "Never met a stranger"! She loved people!!!

In 1978-79, Mary purchased a home in Freeport, living in that same house for 40 years. Mary took great pride in her yard: she mowed and raked an acre every week during the grass growing season. At one time she had 23 peonies bushes. In addition to the peonies, she had roses, hostas and tulips just to name a few of her beauties. Her yard was a beautiful and serene sanctuary for her and her cats (which she loved dearly) and of course any human who visited.

The summer festival Tutty Baker Days in Freeport was a must for Mary. It was an event to spend time with her nieces and extended family. It was day filled with happiness, laughs and mayhem. Mary was full of tales. She was also feisty and full of piss and vinegar. Cross word puzzles were a favorite of Marys' along with history, old movies, playing scratch offs, and reading old time magazines. Mary didn't cook but she was a food critic. In her younger days she and her sister Jeannette (Nettie) would travel to different locations in the USA, some of these trips included their sister Betty's four children in a 1967 Camero! Mary went to Germany in the 1970's with a friend from work, bringing back stories of how the Germans lived, and German made gifts to her nieces and nephews, much to their delight.

Mary was a kind soul and loved to sing. She and her sister Betty would sing all the time when they were young: hopefully they are singing together now!

Survivors include Sister, Jeannette, Nieces: Terri Dull, Jill (Eathel) Burrow, Nephews: Jeff and Christopher Heid, Great Niece: Rebecca Dull, Great Nephews: Jason (Nichole Crane) Dull, Jesse (Perla Cavazos) Burrow, Thomas Burrow and great-great niece Rosalinda and members of the Worley family. Special friends Jim and Paula Schwartz. Predeceased by her husband, parents, infant brother, John Christopher, brother James Christopher, sister Betty Heid and brother in -law, Alan Heid.

Thanks to the staff at Alpine Fireside including the rehab dept. Special thanks to nurse Wanda and activity assistant, Heidi.

Funeral Mass, Monday February 16, 2026, 11:00 A.M., St. Bridget Catholic Church, 600 Clifford Ave. Loves Park, IL. A fellowship luncheon will be served after Mass in the community hall. Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 6204 Forest Hills Rd., Loves Park, IL 61111. www.statelinecremations.com