Mary Ann Dactilidis

Mary Ann Dactilidis (née Yoesle), Our Beautiful Angel Forever

The afternoon of Friday, October 16, 2026 was something to behold. A fall day that dazzled the senses. Brilliant colors of leaves glistened with both raindrops and the sun rays hitting them at once. Yes, it was one of those days where the sun shines through the rainfall. The dark clouds of pain and sorrow being overtaken by the soft clouds of light and splendor. It was something special taking place on this day. That morning at home, a beloved mom, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, sister, niece and friend to so many, Mary Ann Dactilidis left the confines of her physical body, to enter into God’s loving embrace; and what a welcome He gave her. The beauty of nature was on full display for her journey.

Mary Ann was surrounded by love that morning at home with her two loving daughters by her side, Gina (Jack Ritchey) Duffy and Toni (Gregory Fang) Dactilidis. Gina’s devoted care during her mother’s declining health and commitment to bringing experiences alive for her mother, was an inspiration to all who witnessed it. Gina was unstoppable when it came to bringing happiness to her mother and Toni was her loyal assistant in that endeavor; always up for anything Gina had planned and boy, did she plan. There are countless other supporting cast members in Mary Ann’s life; she always dreamed of being an actress, so here’s her Hollywood screenplay. Keep in mind, every good screenplay has strategic product placement.

Mary Ann lived life with great zeal; she always looked for great adventures. From Joliet to Greece in her young days and then road trips and travels with family, Mary Ann loved bearing witness to God’s great masterpiece, all of creation. Her travels set the stage with an incredible backdrop for her screenplay.

Her humble journey here on Earth began on July 5, 1939 as the first-born child of Fredrick, a laborer, and Bernice Yoesle (née Waldvogel), a house cleaner. Fred’s family journeyed to the USA from Alsace, France whereas Bernice’s family came from the same town but on the German side of the border. They met here in Illinois. Mary Ann delighted in being the oldest child of Fred & Bernice, and dare we say, wisest to four siblings. Preceded in death by her brothers William Yoesle and Robert Yoesle, sister Joan Gabriel, and survived by her sister Yvonne Senko. Mary Ann enjoyed welcoming several nieces and nephews later in her life as she became an aunt. She was heartbroken to be preceded in death by nephews Jeff Senko and John Gabriel and niece Jennifer Gabriel. Mary Ann’s life was filled with the loss of many loved ones; she helped care for her mother Bernice at the end of her life. In happier times during her youth, she cherished being with her grandparents Benedict L. Waldvogel and Mary Waldvogel (née Dolak). Stories of her grandfather were those of great admiration, the love and support he showed her was something she made sure to pass on to others. From simple car rides through Joliet to life lessons from her grandparents, she learned from some of the best how to raise children.

She admired her mother’s siblings too, they were so close in age to Mary Ann. Her love for her Aunt Mary Evelyn Rice, Uncle Ben Walvogel Jr. and Uncle George Waldvogel continued to the very end. She loved her first train ride to California to visit her Aunt Mary Evelyn and was devastated when she passed after battling cancer. Her Uncle Ben, before his death, continued the life lessons that his father started for Mary Ann; she learned so much from the great businessman that he was. She also adored his beautiful wife Maise and all their boys. George and his lovely wife Charlene were constant reminders that family is forever. From attending Mary Ann’s 80th birthday celebration to visiting her in the hospital when her heart failure took its toll, George and Char are truly priceless. Mary Ann shared special memories daily of growing up on the east side of Joliet with these incredible family members right by her side.

She loved her alma mater Joliet Township High School, class of 1957 (now Joliet Central) where she was a proud member of various groups including National Honor Society. Joliet could not contain her for long though. A young man was quite intrigued by this beautiful, tall, brunette walking through downtown Joliet and future adventures were calling; first stop, Greece.

Mary Ann married Gust Dactilidis in the summer of 1957 after he pursued this knockout whom he affectionately called Maryánna. They lived for a while on Western Avenue in Joliet; then they travelled throughout Europe and lived for a time in Greece. Her family extended as well with two amazing sister-in-laws, Vivi Xdakis and Ansou Piteraki. She welcomed more nieces and nephews into her life, Rena, Dimitri and Nia. By necessity, she had to learn the language since only Gust spoke English; she was immersed in the Greek language and taught herself to speak and read Greek. Mary Ann fell in love with not only the Greek language but the culture, food, people and the spectacular landscape; Greece was beautiful. Unfortunately, the marriage ended between Mary Ann and Gust. Even through divorce, Mary Ann remained in touch with her ex-husband and close to the extended family. When she returned to Joliet, she would host relatives, even some of the Greek relatives, and friends in her beautiful blue house on the hill. Let’s just say, that blue was a reminder of the sparkling Aegean Sea she sailed in Greece; those memories always remained with her and she spoke so fondly of her time in Greece.

Back in Joliet, being a single mother did not stop her adventures, she exposed her girls to the great outdoors with camping trips, hiking the dunes by Lake Michigan, visits to Disney World and beyond. Mary Ann was a dynamo with her finances - making every dollar count. Putting her girls through music lessons, dance lessons at Mary Ann Corcoran Dance Studio, sports and Greek School at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church of Joliet. She worked at First National Bank of Joliet in those early years, she cared for young children as a nanny, the Dudley girls were so special to her, and then dedicated time to people with disabilities working at Easter Seals and Hufford Junior High School. She was an advocate of lifelong learning and even earned her associates degree from Joliet Junior College later in life. She volunteered in her community as a Crisis Line operator after suffering so much heartache in her own life and overcoming it; she knew she could help others and she did. She gave her time as an usher at the legendary Rialto Square Theater in Joliet. Her love of stage shows started there and continued into her eighties when she saw countless musicals with her daughters. From Hamilton to Moulin Rouge, Mary Ann loved musical theater. She held various other jobs, even working on the Harrah’s River Boat Casino. Then when retirement should have been next, Mary Ann then took on the role as dedicated and diligent cashier and “accountant” as she would call herself at Gina’s newly opened Jitters Coffee House.

A thrilling adventure in life for her started over 42 years ago and is one she held most dear, that of grandmother. Gina married Shawn Duffy, Mary Ann’s favorite ex-son-in-law. Shawn not only remained in her life after his marriage to Gina ended but brought so much love and laughter to Mary Ann’s life with his witty sense of humor and awesome siblings, especially sisters Lisa Hudgens (Robert) and Heidi Borrego (Frank). She loved all of these cast of characters so much and her adventure to Cabo San Lucas for Lisa’s wedding to Robert Hudgens was a highlight later in life. Lisa and Heidi’s children and grandchildren affectionately had “Grandma Mary Ann” in their lives as well. She loved attending all the family gatherings from birthday parties, baby showers and baptisms; Grandma Mary Ann was always there to celebrate life’s joys!

This is the same for her four grandchildren born to Gina and Shawn. She was their biggest supporter and loudest cheerleader. As Shawn served his country in the United States Marine Corps and was stationed throughout the country, Mary Ann, her mother Bernice & her young daughter Toni would travel to all the bases Shawn, Gina and their growing family were stationed. They visited Paris Island, South Carolina; journeyed to Quantico, Virginia and Savannah, Georgia to name a few. She did not hesitate to travel hundreds of miles to see her family. Back in Joliet, there were sleepovers and of course all kinds of treats for her grandchildren. Those grandkids grew up so quickly and started families of their own. If you met Mary Ann, she shared that she got her hair done at Studio Flex, Savanna Wilhelmi’s salon, her youngest granddaughter. Looking for a fantastic realtor, Mary Ann would have recommended her oldest granddaughter Amber Duffy. In need of a great photographer, look no further than Shelby Shots where Hope Shelby is behind the camera, another granddaughter. Mary Ann believed God’s love is evident in life in all things, the signs are there; just look for God’s signs. So, she was overjoyed when her one and only grandson, Daniel Duffy, opened Duffy Signs.

Mary Ann loved her grandchildren and then ten great-grandchildren beyond measure and they adored her. Their achievements were a favorite in Mary Ann’s highlight reel to share with anyone that would listen, from the incredible nurses at Edward Hospital in Naperville to her fellow bible study members. Nothing would stop Mary Ann, even struggling with severe heart failure, arthritis and stenosis of the spine, she would travel to the campus of Loyola University, various football & baseball games throughout the area, musical & theater performances and wrestling matches for her great grandchildren. She will be missed forever and always by Isabelle Anne and Nigel Jr. (children of Amber Duffy and the late Nigel Soraporu Sr.), Quinn, Zara and Nova (children of Hope and Quintin Shelby), DJ, Mila and Gianna (children of Daniel Duffy and Britny Phelps) and Lilly and Leo (children of Savanna Wilhelmi and Alex Wilhelmi).

The adventures throughout her life were glorious and she will be missed but always with us as the family continues to be adventurous in her spirit! Gina supplied her mom with some unforgettable experiences. In her eighties she saw her first NFL football game at the historic Lambeau Field. She traveled from Joliet to Louisiana visiting several historical civil rights sights along the way; she visited Graceland on that road trip too, in honor of her mother Bernice who was a huge Elvis fan. That road trip took her to New Orleans, where she enjoyed beignets at Café Du Monde and attended mass at St. Louis Cathedral. She journeyed to Mackinac Island for more than just the fudge. Gina made sure that her mother had the best golden years possible in every journey they took.

Within this past year, Mary Ann has celebrated Isabelle’s 21st Birthday in New Orleans with the entire family including great family friends Rocky and Brad Aucoin. She danced on Frenchmen’s Street to live music and toured St. Charles Avenue and the French Quarter on an iconic trolley. She loved being near the water and on it, lake house visits were her favorite summertime adventures with her cherished dog, Sir Pauly, who she doted on for over 14 years. Nothing stopped the family to make sure Mary Ann could enjoy everything that the lake had to offer. She had fond memories of Table Rock Lake in Missouri thanks to Pat and Ken King, wonderful extended family members that came into Mary Ann’s life when Gina met Jack over 20 years ago.

Her final lake house visit, and there were several throughout her life, took her to Lake Pistakee this past summer of 2026. The entire family was there to celebrate and enjoy life! They were all together - so many cast of characters that have not even been mentioned that held such a special place in Mary Ann’s heart - Norma Jean and Steve Wall (thank you for the hospital visits too), Brian, Bethany and Amira. Also, Alex Malleris (thank you for the beautiful 2025 Mother's Day gathering and all the parties that followed) and Christopher Taake, who have not only brought such love into her granddaughters’ lives but made sure Mary Ann got everywhere in and around the Lake Pistakee house.

What is a screenplay without the music? Cue the music please Mr. Tony Kidonikis; he delivered his smooth vocals while playing the piano lakeside for the celebration. “Professor Tony”, as Mary Ann called him, was at countless family celebrations honoring us with his talents; but, it was extra special this past summer. Thank you for the Hallelujah serenade to her that beautiful July evening. She adored the entire Kidonikis family; Christina and children - thank you for the bike ride visit this October when she sat outside, the unforgettable Christmas dinners, the hospital visit and of course, the prayers. The power of prayer meant so much to her.

Mary Ann truly loved people and in the end, we all must understand what Mary Ann did so naturally; talk to people, get to know them and share in their adventures in life. Many of her adventures involved church and she understood that a church is not a building, but people. Baptized and raised Catholic, Mary Ann was devout in her beliefs. God was in everything she did and she looked for those God moments everywhere. She loved mass at St. Raymond’s Cathedral of Joliet, bible studies, retreats in Wisconsin and Wednesday Evening family functions with Pastor Craig Herr (now retired) and youth ministry & vacation bible school activities for her great grandchildren with current Pastor Bogdan “Bo” Micera at First Presbyterian Church of Joliet. While working at Jitters, she met Pastor Keith Forni, formerly of First Lutheran and Santa Cruz. After retirement, Pastor Keith continues his ministry now with his wife Ruth and their wonderful sons and now grandchildren at Cristo Rey Lutheran Mission. Mary Ann and her daughter Toni loved attending services together; it was always a special time for them.

Even with all her adventures, she loved to return to the comfort of her home and then later in life, Gina’s home with Jack. Both homes were filled with warmth, love, good food, family gatherings and peaceful moments. One could find Mary Ann sitting on her front porch watching the birds and that continued at Gina’s home where she had not only the birds but the pond filled with ducks and geese right alongside her garden where she so cherished every flower bud and petal. Thank you to Jack, for so many acts of kindness to Mary Ann, but especially, for all the bird food that brought a plethora of animals to Mary Ann’s garden. Mary Ann ventured to Toni & Greg’s house often for family gatherings and to enjoy a little vacation away from home with Sir Pauly while sitting poolside or under the shade of the pear tree. From summer celebrations (her July 5th birthday bash was always the biggest one), to Halloween parties where she stood out with her unique costumes including Marie Antoinette and Velma from Scooby-Doo, Mary Ann loved the energy of a party. She appreciated peacefulness as well. Sitting on the quiet patio in Lemont talking with Norma Fang, Greg’s mother was just as enjoyable for her as the backyard being filled with people and laughter.

In August of 2026, Mary Ann once again left home and enjoyed her final adventure, a road trip with Jack and Gina to Louisville, Kentucky to listen to her favorite band in the land - The Joliet American Legion Band where Toni plays bassoon and Greg plays tuba. She was on the water for a riverboat cruise, saw Churchill Downs and once again marveled at the scenery of God’s creation as she travelled the road from Joliet to Louisville and back in that big Ford truck.

Back at home, when she wasn’t traveling, she would pick up her needle and thread for some sewing; a hobby ever since her time in Greece with her sisters-in-law that were seamstresses. She loved watching cooking shows on Saturday afternoons with Gina and then football with Toni. Throw in some Dancing with the Stars and she was in her happy place. Well, it wasn’t all television; she did switch screens, her iPhone kept her connected to her friends around the world with Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat; she really enjoyed social media and loved to comment on all that her friends offered to share with her. Thank you to all her friends on social media; it brought her so much joy to write to you.

Get out there and enjoy life, Mary Ann would expect nothing less. Consider a trip on Route 66, starting in downtown Joliet to stop and visit Maison Maryánna, a vibrant tribute to Mary Ann where photos of her hang in the boutique and it is alive with her spirit and zest for life. Mary Ann loved a great outfit and accessories; so hit the road in style. The adventure awaits!

Please join us in prayer and celebration of Mary Ann’s life on Thursday, October 22nd at First Presbyterian Church, 805 Western Avenue in Joliet, Illinois at 9:30 am for visitation followed by a service at 10:00 am. Following the service, Mary Ann will be interred at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Joliet. Arrangements have been entrusted to Tezak’s Home to Celebrate Life in Joliet.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to First Presbyterian Church at 805 Western Ave. Joliet, IL 60435 or Cristo Rey Lutheran Mission at 40 Houbolt Rd, Joliet, IL 60431.