Obituary: Martha Ann Las

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

Martha Ann Las

(nee McGrath)

Martha Ann Las passed away on May 21, 2025, at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, Illinois, at the age of 74. Born on August 6, 1950, in Sterling, Illinois, Martha was the beloved daughter of the late John and Dorothy McGrath.

A proud graduate of St. Jude Grade School and St. Francis Academy, Martha furthered her education at Joliet Junior College. Her career spanned several decades in the dental field, where she worked as the office manager for Dr. George Fehrenbacher, and later spent an impressive 36 years with Dr. Rudy Paolucci before her semi-retirement in 2024. Even after retiring, Martha found joy in returning to the dental office to catch up with coworkers and visit with longtime patients, demonstrating her dedication and fondness for the people she served.

Martha was deeply involved in her community. She gave her time generously as a member of the Troy Baseball Ladies Auxiliary, supporting youth sports and building strong neighborhood connections. A lifelong and faithful parishioner of the Church of St. Jude, her unwavering spirit of kindness and loyalty was evident in both her faith and her everyday life. Martha exemplified kindness and warmth throughout her life, touching all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Martha is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Thomas Edward Las; her children, Amy (James) Nicholson, Ryan (Jayme) Las, Brianne (Kevin) Nahs, and Adam (Ann) Las; seven grandchildren, Gavin, Ava, Natalie, Makenna, Zoe, Forrest, and Wade; siblings, Thomas (Nancy) McGrath, Patrick (Pam) McGrath, and Timothy (Patricia) McGrath; and her in-laws, Dianne McGrath, William (Irene) Las, and Kevin Las. Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive. Martha’s life was characterized by unwavering devotion to her children and grandchildren, always offering support, love, and wisdom. Whether it was at the softball fields, dance competitions, track meets, or the hockey rink, she was always there for her children and grandchildren. Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Martha, was blessed with her kindness and storytelling skills that always held your attention.

She is preceded by her parents; and her brother, William McGrath.

Though her presence will be dearly missed, the legacy of Martha Ann Las will live on in the lives she touched and the memories held close by those who loved her.

Visitation for Martha Ann Las will be held on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL, from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. with a sharing of memories at 5:30 p.m. Family and friends are invited to meet at 9:45 a.m., on Monday, June 2, 2025, at Queen of Apostle Catholic Church, 18 Woodlawn Ave., Joliet, IL, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. As it was he request cremation rites will be accorded following services. Inurnment will be held privately by the family at a later date at Woodlawn Memorial Park.

For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.

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