Mary Lou Halliday

Age 74 of Joliet, Illinois, died Monday, May 5, 2025 at the Lightways Hospice Home in Joliet.

Born November 12, 1950 in Moorhead, Minnesota, Mary Lou was a daughter of Wallace and Rosemary (Meyer) Halliday. She was raised in Minnesota until her family relocated to Coal City, Illinois where she graduated from Coal City High School with the Class of 1968. Mary Lou then enrolled in the nursing program at St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet and graduated from the program in 1971. She then began her 42 year career as a register nurse, working not only for St. Joseph Hospital but also the Joliet Medical Group. Mary Lou was proud to be a nurse and devoted her career to caring for patients with the utmost respect and compassion.

She was an avid reader and had quite the collection of books in her home. Mary Lou took great pleasure in golfing and would often go on golf trips with her friends to Galena, Illinois. She was also a regular participant in her bowling league at Town and County Lanes in Joliet with her nursing co-workers. Mary Lou was a member of the Coal City Area Club, but she also enjoyed travelling across the country, as well as internationally with her trip to Spain being one of her most memorable.

She was well known for her love of shopping, but greater yet for her kindness and generosity. Mary Lou would always spoil her family at Christmastime with heaps of presents, and at Easter she would gift Dan's Chocolate Easter Eggs from Dan's candy. She loved her family dearly and was definitely considered the fun aunt. Mary Lou's life was devoted to caring for others and bringing joy to anyone who crossed her path, and she will be treasured by those whom she leaves behind.

Survivors include her loving companion of 27 years, Terry McLaughlin of Joliet; two brothers and one sister: Jan (Ron) Berta of Diamond, Illinois, James (Genie) Halliday of Riverview, Florida, and John (Lori) Halliday of Coal City; nieces and nephews: Taryn (Brad) Trotter, Nicole (Ryan) D'Arcy, Kyle (Brittney) Halliday, and Erika Halliday (Mike Maniglia); and great nieces and nephews: Braeden, McKenzie, London, Maverick, Jack, Elle, Olivia, Duke, and Scout.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, Wally and Rosemary Halliday.

Per her wishes, cremation rites are being accorded, and a graveside service will be held at Braceville Gardner Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest with her parents.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Mary Lou's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Mary Lou’s memorial page online through social media.

Cremation and memorial services have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland and Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-634-2125)