Mary Jean Waters

Mary Jean Waters, 72, of Green Cove Springs, FL, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2025.

Born on August 23, 1952, in Berwyn, Illinois, Mary was the beloved daughter of Emil and Joan (Higgins) Kaucky. She spent the majority of her life in the near west suburbs of Chicago, where she built a life centered around family, compassion, and service to others.

A proud graduate of J. Sterling Morton High School in Berwyn, Mary went on to dedicate 26 years of her career as a Life Skills Administrator at Seguin Services in Cicero, IL. Her passion for helping others was evident in every facet of her life. She had a special gift for making people feel seen, heard, and supported.

Mary found joy in the simple things—cooking homemade meals, curling up with a good book, and most of all, spending time with her family. Her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Mary was preceded in death by her cherished daughter, Jeanmarie "Jeannie" (Waters) Spradling (Brandon).

She is survived by her loving children, William Waters (Jenny Koenig) and Katie (Waters) Stefanski (Aaron); her dear sister, Bonnie (Kaucky) Chapman; her treasured grandchildren, Jason (Sydnie), Grace, and Erin Brown, Tyler Waters, and Justin Stefanski; and her great-granddaughters, Alexandra and Jennie Mary Cooper Brown.

A memorial service to celebrate Mary’s life will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Advent Christian Church of the Highlands, 1525 W. Plainfield Road, LaGrange Highlands, IL.

In honoring Mary’s memory, let us carry forward her legacy of kindness, generosity, and love.