Ann Thayer, Owner Of Thayer Brothers Deli, Dies

JOLIET, IL — People around the city of Joliet are reacting with sadness to Wednesday's news that Ann Thayer, owner and operator of Thayer Brothers Deli on Ruby Street, has died. Ann Thayer was in her eighties. She had been hospitalized briefly.

"I used to run into Mrs. Thayer almost every morning at Jewel on Theodore and Larkin Ave. I would stand next to her picking out fresh veggies. I finally had the courage, after eating a delicious meal at her restaurant, to tell her that I aspire to be like her... making fresh food that people love. She was so tickled to hear that and she sat down to chat with me about restaurant life. A Joliet staple and a hero to me. She will be missed!" one woman commented on the restaurant's Facebook page.

In June, Joliet Patch published a food column about Thayer Brothers Deli mentioning how Ann Thayer worked at the restaurant every day, how she strolled by and asked customers the question that gets asked hundreds of times every week, "Can I get you a bowl of soup?"

Customers of Thayer Brothers Deli loved Mrs. Thayer's soups.

The social media page for Mayor Bob O'Dekirk also alerted its followers to Wednesday's sad news.

One of her children is Tom Thayer, the Chicago Bears Superbowl champion who now serves as a game day announcer.

Funeral arrangements are pending.