Obituary: Mary Lou Spencer

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory​.

Mary Lou Spencer

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Mary Lou Spencer, age 71, of Joliet, passed away Friday, April 17, 2026, at St. Joseph Medical Center, with her family by her side, following a three and one-half year battle with cancer which she courageously fought to the very end.

Born December 9, 1954, in Chicago, she was the daughter of the late Warren E. and Catherine E. (Thornton) Pries, and was a graduate of Lakeview High School with the Class of 1973. She was a proud 45 year member of Boilermakers Union #1, working as a welder.

Mary Lou was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, whose love extended far beyond her immediate family earning her the affectionate title “Mama Bear.” Her family was her everything, there was nothing she would not do for them, and in recent years, her beloved great-granddaughter, Ava, became her best friend. She will be remembered for her strength, her fun spirit, her “ride or die” attitude, and how she never let anything hold her back.

Mary Lou was also a proud, long-time member of Joliet Moose Lodge #300, and Woodhaven Lakes Association, where many years of camping and associating with friends were a special part of her life.

Surviving are her loving daughters, Annette (Keith Smith) Lingwai and Lisa (Jason) Baker, both of Joliet; her grandchildren, Catherine Witzke, April (Bobby Novak) Witzke, Walter Witzke, III, Nathan (Bri) Baker, Kaleb (Violet) Baker, Kevin (Christina) Smith, and Kelso Smith; great-grandchildren, Ava Mae, Baby Novak due in June, Brooklyn, Savannah, Dakota, and Emilia.

She was preceded by her parents; her son, Michael Elliot Spencer (1998); her sister, Evelyn Marie Grant; and her brother, Earl Grant.

A Memorial Gathering for Mary Lou Spencer will be held Sunday, April 26, 2026, from 2:00 p.m., until the time of a Memorial Service at 6:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet. Cremation rites have been accorded and interment in Woodlawn Memorial Park will be private.

A celebration of Mary Lou's life will also take place this summer with additional details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name to Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care (www.lightways.org) would be appreciated.

For more information, please call (815) 741-5500, or visit her Memorial Tribute at

www.fredcdames.com where you may leave an online condolence or share a favorite memory.

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