Mary M. Frankel

Mary Magdalene Frankel (nee Musatto) of Orland Park, IL, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 30, at the age of 85. She was born in Chicago on February 23, 1939, the eldest child of the late Madeline (Walz) and Emil Musatto, and dear brother to John and the late Rita Musatto. For 65 years, Mary shared a beautiful partnership with husband Lawrence "Larry" Frankel, whom she adored. She leaves behind her beloved children Eileen (Samuel) Tomarchio, Andrew (Julie) Frankel, and Carrie (Edward) Riley; her cherished grandchildren Gina Tomarchio, Jack Riley, and Nick Frankel; and dozens of cousins, nieces and nephews.

As her family and friends could attest, Mary was passionate about interests and hobbies that spanned a broad range, from cooking, baking, gardening, interior decorating, card games, letter-writing, and numerous handicrafts, to movies, music, politics, American and British history, travel to the UK, and—in her later years, especially—advancements in astronomy and new knowledge of the physical universe, which brought her a sense of wonder and peace. She loved few things more than day trips to the Maine Coast with Larry for fried clams and a scenic lighthouse view. Over the years, Mary held careers as an administrator and event planner at Marconi, Analog Devices, Digital Equipment, and Wang Laboratories, among other companies, and was proud to have lived in 11 homes in the states of NJ, MA, PA, NH, and IL. No matter where Mary and Larry resided, their family always loved traveling from near or far to be home for the holidays.

Mary will be most remembered for her unwavering love for her family and the many far-flung friends she and Larry made over the years. We will miss her so very much.

Visitation with Memorial Service on Monday, February 24, from 4-7 pm, at Tews-Ryan Funeral Home, 18230 Dixie Highway in Homewood. Interment will be private at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Environmental Defense Fund or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.