Mary H. Cantway

Mary Madelene Cantway passed away peacefully in her bed on June 1st, 2026 at the age of 111. She resided in the same house in Homewood for over 69 years. She is survived by her daughter Linda Sue Cantway-Cook of Homewood, IL, who was also her only caregiver for many years. Mary was preceded in death by her parents Homer and Jennie Hernly (Lee), her loving husband of 43 years, Elmo Emery Cantway, born in 1900; her beloved son Dr. Donald Lee Cantway (Linda), brother Harold Hernly, sisters Mildred Keyser and Margaret Benzies-Sorensen, and brother Fred Hernly.

She was the cherished grandmother of six grandchildren: Laura Graham (Brooks) of Steamboat Springs, CO; Jill Cantway Lee (Chad) of Steamboat Springs, CO; Dr. Catherine Cantway of Steamboat Springs, CO; Jennifer Cantway (Richard) of Glenwood Springs, CO; Lauren Elyse Becker of Homewood, IL and Mary Allison Cook-Gonzalez of Lake City, FL. She was also the Great-Grandmother of ten, survived by many nieces and nephews, and hundreds of friends who adored her.

Mary's first job was with Swift and Company in 1933 at the Chicago Worlds Fair. In 1960, she worked as a clerk at Community Pharmacy in Homewood. In 1970 Mary began her career as an admitting clerk at South Suburban Hospital in Hazel Crest and retired at the age of 75.

She was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church of Homewood for over 68 years. Also a constant volunteer in the Homewood community, participating in hundreds of events. Mary loved to travel and had been to 14 countries, even China, including most of the United States. She enjoyed visiting with her many friends and was known for her grace, laughter, and resilience. She kept in touch with old friends from Englewood and high school friends from Parker High School. There were also many adventures with her daughter, Linda, probably her closest companion.

Mary loved card games, actually all games, including rummy cubes. She played monthly with her treasured co-workers from South Suburban Hospital. Her wily Rummy 500 skills will certainly be missed, especially by Linda and Ellen. She had been a master seamstress, who even near the end of her life, cut and hemmed with her trusty needle and thread. Always donning her trademark earrings, Mary religiously went to H-F Fitness Club three times a week, which contributed to her longevity. And oh my, at Christmas time she baked her prized Christmas cookies, then passed plates out to neighbors and friends! Her kindness ran deep, always offered with humility and never in search of recognition. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her.

The family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to Marge Errant, Candy Schmidt, Montie Buckle, Frieda and Sylvester Neal, Ellen Casiano, Dr. Catherine Cantway, Lauren Becker, Jackie Schlismann, Larry Abbott, and Pat Heiner for all their help and support over the years. The constant attention of her old, dear friend Richard Holfeld, and the love of one of her closest friends, Shirley Ford, will never be forgotten.

Mary attained the status of being the 20th oldest person in the United States. She often wondered why she lived so long. Her closest family and friends believed her life served a greater purpose. Her legacy will live on forever. Since Mary celebrated her long life with a living funeral at the age of 110, attended by over 100 friends and family, there will be no service, just a gathering at her home under her favorite oak tree. A private interment will be held at the family's cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be may to Mary's favorite charity, the Salvation Army.

"What we have once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us".   -Helen Keller

TOGETHERNESS

Death is nothing at all. I have only slipped away into the next room. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by my old familiar name. speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without effort. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was; there is absolutely unbroken continuity. Why should I be out of your mind because I am out of your sight? I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner. All is well. Nothing is past; nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before-only better, infinitely happier and forever-we will be all one together with Christ.

For further information, please contact Tews-Ryanfh.com or call 708-798-5300.

Please view Mary's life story and living funeral video made in 2024 included below: