Mary E. Shanks

Mary Elinor (Strang) Shanks passed away in Glen Ellyn on July 3, 2025 at the age of 97.

Loving wife of the late Jack Shanks, devoted mother to Paula (Charlie) Ortmann, Tracey (Jeff) Glawe, and Brad (Betsy) Shanks. Tremendously proud grandmother (“Nana”) to Kyle (Bridget) Ortmann, Tyler (Jessica) Shanks, Kit (Stephanie) Ortmann, Greg (Sarah) Glawe, Brooke (Beau) Besancenez, and Daver (Olivia) Glawe. Impressive great grandmother (“Gigi”) to Charlie and Emma Ortmann, Mia Glawe, Bradley and Blake Besancenez, Jack Shanks and Owen Ortmann.

She will be deeply missed by those who had the pleasure of knowing her. Mary was born on September 8, 1927 in Providence, RI, and grew up in Prince Edward Island and Montreal Canada. Mary met Jack in Bermuda where he was stationed with the Air Force and she was vacationing. Destiny took over and the two were married soon after their meeting. They raised three children living in many places, but mostly Glen Ellyn. They had a wonderful life together, enjoying 62 years of marriage.

Mary was a devoted mother and homemaker until she decided to use her artistic talents to get her degree in Interior Design. She ran her own successful Design business for many years. Mary acquired many friends through her activities in golf, bowling, bridge, Infant Welfare, and the kids’ school activities, always fueled by her natural gregarious personality. As retirees, Mary and Jack spent time in Galena, IL and Tucson, AZ, where she was a Deacon at her church. When Jack passed in 2017, Mary moved back to Illinois to be closer to her family. Mary was a seasoned traveler and loved her excursions to many fantastic vacation spots around the world.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Mary’s name to Folds of Honor at https://share.google/hSloRhs4IxLdqJB7D

There will be a celebration of Mary’s life on Thursday, July 10th from 3pm-6pm with a few words to remember Mary at 5:30pm at Leonard’s Funeral Home, 565 Duane St. Glen Ellyn, IL 60137.

For more information on Mary's arrangements please call (630) 469-0032.