Mary Simone Wolff, beloved sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2025, at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale, Illinois, with her loving sisters, Rebecca and Renee, with her to the end. She was 50 years old.
Born on November 10, 1974, in Lindenhurst, Illinois, Simone was the daughter of the late Dick and Nancy Wolff. She grew up in Lindenhurst, attended Laremont Grade School, Shady Lane Middle School, and Grayslake High School. Simone later earned a special graduation certificate from the College of Lake County, demonstrating her lifelong love of learning.
Simone worked at an after-school program for grade school children at BJ Hooper for a number of years where she made an impact on the lives of countless young students. For most of her life she was a member of Prince of Peace Parish in Lake Villa, Illinois, where she was greatly loved.
In the summer of 2021, Simone moved to Carbondale, Illinois, with her sister Renée to be closer to her sister Rebecca, creating new memories and experiences. Her warmth and generosity of spirit left a lasting imprint on everyone she encountered.
Simone was preceded in death by her parents, Dick and Nancy Wolff, her brother Tommy, and her beloved dog Beatrice and cat Bubba King. She leaves behind a large and loving family, including her 16 siblings: Mary Eloise Jensen, Stephen James Wolff, Mary Christine Foskett, Mary Therese Gilling, Mary Clare Patch, Mark Richard Wolff, Mary Virginia McCullough, Mary Rebecca Grey, Mary Renee Wolff, David Francis Wolff, Robert Joseph Wolff, Mary Veronica Foskett, Mary Suzanne Burns, Justin Patrick Wolff, Mary Julia Kearney, and Mary Nell Sanchez Wolff. Additionally, she is survived by 10 brothers-in-laws, 3 sisters-in-laws, 62 nieces and nephews and 54 great-nieces and great-nephews, and her Godson William Patch, Jr.
Simone had a zest for life and a love for music. She loved singing and dancing, and as a child she enjoyed playing the marimba, trumpet, and tambourine in the family band. Later in life she loved the piano and was particularly proud of her piano concert, where she performed works by Mozart and Chopin. She also taught piano and was a great delight to all her students. Her other passions included art and poetry. She would spend hours reading and writing poetry, and drawing. She also loved the outdoors and hiking, especially with her sisters and her dogs.
Simone was a lover of simple pleasures, including chocolate sundaes, donuts with pink frosting and sprinkles, and anything sparkly, like light up shoes, sparkly fingernail polish, and clothes with glitter on them. She especially loved movies, some of her favorites include: “Matlock,” “Annie,” “Princess Diaries,” and especially “Murder, She Wrote”, starring Jessica B. (Beatrice) Fletcher, for whom she named her dog Beatrice. Her favorite time of the year was her birthday which was celebrated throughout the month of November, with decorations, a family party, her favorite foods, outings, and lots of presents.
But above all, Simone’s greatest joy came from spending time with friends and making others happy. She had a unique ability to brighten anyone’s day with her radiant smile and kind heart. She is known for her deep empathy, always knowing when someone was sad and offering a comforting hug to lift their spirits.
Simone’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She was a light in this world, and her legacy of love, kindness, and joy will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to be part of her life.
Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.
A memorial service will be held at Prince of Peace Parish in Lake Villa, Illinois. Details will be shared with family and friends.
Leave a Condolence