Obituary of Mary Jean Firca

Mary Jean Firca, 70, of Lake Bluff, Illinois, died peacefully at 9:48 pm, Thursday August 25th, at Northwestern University Hospital, Chicago, IL. Born November 12, 1945 in Lorain, Ohio, she is preceded in death by her son, David Firca; parents, John and Mary Novak; in-laws, Joseph and Stella Firca; and brother-in-law Donald Firca. Referred to as Jean by family and friends, she was born and raised in Lorain, Ohio, where she grew up right next door to the love of her life – her beloved husband, Joe. Although high school sent them in different directions, a few years later after Jean’s graduation from Admiral King High School, Jean and Joe were reunited at a mutual friend’s wedding while Joe was home on a college break. All it took was one dance and the rest was history- they eventually married September 9, 1967. A devoted wife and mother, Jean also generously gave of herself outside the home. She worked as an administrative assistant at Prudential Insurance (Ohio) and H.J. Heinz (Pennsylvania). She was a founding member and dedicated parishioner of Saint Mary of Vernon Catholic Church in Vernon Hills, Illinois. Jean especially enjoyed her work at the Hawthorn Animal Hospital in Vernon Hills where she shared her great love for animals. Jean was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend who lived her life with an unwavering commitment to her family and friends. She was often described by her family and friends as selfless, genuine and the very definition of love. Jean would have given the shirt off her back to a complete stranger anywhere, anytime, and never even gave it a second thought. If there was anyone on this entire earth who heard the voice of God in their heart and followed it without question in order to help and serve others, it was Jean. All whom knew and loved Jean will tell you she lived her life by these special words – Corinthians 13:13 “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. As so she lived. Jean is survived by her beloved husband, Joseph Firca; daughter, Heather; and son Michael; sister Betty Ann Blakley (Chuck) of Vermilion, Ohio; brother, Donald Novak (Rosina) of Frederick, Maryland; sister-in-law, Anne Firca of Avon Ohio; nieces and nephews, Elizabeth Brown, Donald Firca, Douglas Firca, Bret Blakley, Elaine Studlien, Courtney Hocking; and many wonderful cousins; as well as, lifelong, best friends and cherished family, Karen and Mike Sellers; Michelle Thrawl; and Scott Sellers. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am Thursday September 1st at St Mary of Vernon Catholic Church, 236 US-45, Indian Creek, IL with interment following at Ascension Cemetery, Libertyville. Visitation will be 4:00 – 8:00 pm Wednesday Aug 31st at McMurrough Funeral Chapel, 101 Park Place (Rt 176, 1 Blk East of Milwaukee Ave) Libertyville and at Church Thurs. 30 minutes prior to Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations made to Lymphoma Research Foundation, www.lymphoma.org, would be greatly appreciated. Funeral info (847) 362-2626, please sign the guestbook at libertyvillefuneralhome.com