1949
Mary
2024
Mary Veselka
January 8, 1949 — August 11, 2024
Mary Kay Veselka, née Dempsey, of Taylorville, Illinois, passed away peacefully, on August 11, 2024. Born on January 8, 1949, in Chicago, Illinois, to James and Patricia Dempsey (née Conroy), Mary Kay lived a life rich in love, learning, and adventure.
A dedicated educator, Mary Kay's teaching career spanned over three decades. She was an elementary school teacher and a reading recovery teacher for the U-46 School District for twenty years, and she spent seven years teaching at St. Mary’s Catholic School. Her commitment to education was evident to all who knew her, and she maintained close friendships with many of her fellow teachers throughout her career. Mary Kay earned both her Bachelor’s degree in Teaching and her Master’s degree in Reading Recovery from Northern Illinois University.
Mary Kay was married to Joseph Veselka for 51 years, a union marked by deep love and mutual respect. Together, they raised four sons: Michael (Jill), Joseph (Ryan), Daniel, and the late Jeff. Her family was the center of her life, and she took pride in her children and their accomplishments.
A passionate traveler, Mary Kay explored the world with a sense of wonder and excitement. Her journeys took her across the international dateline to Australia and New Zealand, and to the lush landscapes of Ireland, Scotland, and Hawaii—her favorite destination. She also sailed through the Panama Canal, visited Brazil and Colombia, and ventured close to the Antarctic Circle.
Mary Kay was deeply involved in her community as a member of the Bartlett Jayceetts, where she formed many lifelong friendships. She was also an enthusiastic participant in the Social Gourmet Club and enjoyed countless camping trips with family and friends.
An avid reader, Mary Kay had a particular fondness for mystery novels, having read thousands over her lifetime. Her love for murder mystery TV shows and movies was well known, and she never missed a Saturday night Svengoolie episode or a vintage film. She found great joy in nature, especially in watching the birds—hummingbirds, blue herons, and white pelicans—while gazing out at the lake from her home.
Mary Kay’s dry wit, sense of humor, and unwavering work ethic will be missed by all who knew and loved her. She had a remarkable ability to juggle multiple tasks and was always ready to lend a thoughtful ear or offer her considered opinion.
Mary Kay is survived by her loving husband, Joseph, her sons Michael, Joseph, and Daniel, her siblings Ann and Patricia (Jeff Coates), and a host of extended family and friends. She is predeceased by her parents, James and Patricia Dempsey, and her son, Jeff.
Visitation Friday, August 16, 2024 from 10:00am until time of service 12:00pm at Countryside Funeral Home and Crematory 950 South Bartlett Rd. (at Stearns Rd.), Bartlett. Following services cremation private at Countryside Crematory. Inurnment at Lakewood Memorial Park, Elgin, IL at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Mary Kay’s memory to Misericordia at www.misericordia.com or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.
Mary Kay Veselka will be remembered for her kindness, wisdom, and the joy she brought to those around her. She will be dearly missed.
A dedicated educator, Mary Kay's teaching career spanned over three decades. She was an elementary school teacher and a reading recovery teacher for the U-46 School District for twenty years, and she spent seven years teaching at St. Mary’s Catholic School. Her commitment to education was evident to all who knew her, and she maintained close friendships with many of her fellow teachers throughout her career. Mary Kay earned both her Bachelor’s degree in Teaching and her Master’s degree in Reading Recovery from Northern Illinois University.
Mary Kay was married to Joseph Veselka for 51 years, a union marked by deep love and mutual respect. Together, they raised four sons: Michael (Jill), Joseph (Ryan), Daniel, and the late Jeff. Her family was the center of her life, and she took pride in her children and their accomplishments.
A passionate traveler, Mary Kay explored the world with a sense of wonder and excitement. Her journeys took her across the international dateline to Australia and New Zealand, and to the lush landscapes of Ireland, Scotland, and Hawaii—her favorite destination. She also sailed through the Panama Canal, visited Brazil and Colombia, and ventured close to the Antarctic Circle.
Mary Kay was deeply involved in her community as a member of the Bartlett Jayceetts, where she formed many lifelong friendships. She was also an enthusiastic participant in the Social Gourmet Club and enjoyed countless camping trips with family and friends.
An avid reader, Mary Kay had a particular fondness for mystery novels, having read thousands over her lifetime. Her love for murder mystery TV shows and movies was well known, and she never missed a Saturday night Svengoolie episode or a vintage film. She found great joy in nature, especially in watching the birds—hummingbirds, blue herons, and white pelicans—while gazing out at the lake from her home.
Mary Kay’s dry wit, sense of humor, and unwavering work ethic will be missed by all who knew and loved her. She had a remarkable ability to juggle multiple tasks and was always ready to lend a thoughtful ear or offer her considered opinion.
Mary Kay is survived by her loving husband, Joseph, her sons Michael, Joseph, and Daniel, her siblings Ann and Patricia (Jeff Coates), and a host of extended family and friends. She is predeceased by her parents, James and Patricia Dempsey, and her son, Jeff.
Visitation Friday, August 16, 2024 from 10:00am until time of service 12:00pm at Countryside Funeral Home and Crematory 950 South Bartlett Rd. (at Stearns Rd.), Bartlett. Following services cremation private at Countryside Crematory. Inurnment at Lakewood Memorial Park, Elgin, IL at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Mary Kay’s memory to Misericordia at www.misericordia.com or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.
Mary Kay Veselka will be remembered for her kindness, wisdom, and the joy she brought to those around her. She will be dearly missed.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mary Veselka, please visit our flower store.
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