Mary Kathleen Wells, 67, of Country Club Hills, passed away peacefully early Sunday morning, November 9, 2025, while holding the hand of her best friend of 49 years, Sue Olson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James O. Wells and Irma A. Wells (née Reich). She is survived by her sister Jane Lawrence, brother-in-law Bob Lawrence, and niece Katie Lawrence; her brother James J. Wells, sister-in-law Cindy Wineinger, niece Emily Moran, and nephew-in-law Carlos Moran; and two adorable newborn great-nephews, Arthur and Javier, whom she sadly did not have the chance to meet.

Mary was baptized at St. John's Lutheran Church on April 6, 1958, and confirmed in her faith on May 21, 1972. She was a proud graduate of St. John's Lutheran Elementary School, Thornton Fractional North High School, and Illinois State University, later earning her Master's Degree in Educational Administration from Concordia University, River Forest.

An enthusiastic Girl Scout from a young age, Mary made lifelong friends through Scouting. She served as a camp counselor and camp director and cherished the summer reunions with her beloved friends from Camp Tocanja.

Mary was a gifted and compassionate teacher who changed countless lives. As a Special Education professional, she dedicated her career to helping children who struggled in school, passionately advocating for inclusion and ensuring every child had the opportunity to thrive. Her leadership and kindness earned her the respect and love of her colleagues and students alike. After forty years in education, she retired from Meadow Ridge School in 2020, leaving behind a lasting legacy of excellence, compassion, and joy in learning.

Taking advantage of her summers off, Mary traveled to Europe with the Central Illinois Christian Choir Association, performing at music festivals in Germany, Austria, France, England, and Ireland in 1995, 1997, and 2002. These trips resulted in hundreds of photos, dozens of stories, and lifelong friendships.

After retiring, Mary and her dear friend and roommate Sue Olson began serving with the Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dogs ministry. Although she had always been a cat lover, Mary opened her heart to the Golden Retrievers trained to bring comfort to those in need. Together, Mary and Sue made two mission trips to Uvalde, Texas with Comfort Dog Jael, as well as numerous visits to schools, hospitals, and nursing homes across the region.

Mary had a beautiful voice and a lifelong love of music. She was a devoted member of the St. John's Lutheran Church Choir, where she also played the chimes and joyfully praised her Savior through song.

She had a special fondness for sheep, delighting in the funny videos her friends would send her. Each Easter, she and Sue baked a lamb cake, decorated with creativity and humor that her family and friends eagerly awaited. Mary also loved trying new recipes, and her family enjoyed her delicious dishes at many holiday gatherings.

Mary touched the lives of all who knew her. Her faith in God was steadfast and evident in every aspect of her life—through her love for others, her service to her church, and her compassionate spirit that brought comfort to so many. She will be remembered for her kindness, her streak of purple hair, her laughter, her love of ice cream, her unique habit of pointing to things in pictures, her unwavering faith, and the beautiful legacy of love she leaves behind.

Friends are invited to visit with Mary's family on Friday, November 14, 2025 from 3:00 - 8:00 PM at the Schroeder-Lauer Funeral Home, 3227 Ridge Rd., Lansing, IL 60438. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 15 at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church, 18100 Wentworth Ave., Lansing, IL beginning with a visitation from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM. The service will begin at 11:00 AM in the church sanctuary.

"Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord." — Matthew 25:23

Memorials may be made to the beloved Comfort Dog Ministry at

Trinity Lutheran Church, 900 Luther Drive, Hobart, IN 46342. Please note "Comfort Dogs" in the memo line.