Mary Carolyn Bennett died peacefully in the night on Nov. 24, 2025, following a short battle with colon cancer. She leaves us after 95 fulfilling years. Born on March 3, 1930 in Kansas City, Missouri, to her mother, Jennie Marolt and Father August Marolt, she was the eldest of 3. Shortly after her birth, the family moved to Melrose Park. She attended Immaculate Conception High School in Elmhurst. The family bought their first home in Elmhurst where she lived with her two younger brothers, Gary and Michael.
She met Gerald (Jerry) Bennett in her early 20’s and, following a brief courtship, they were married on June 14, 1952, then settled down in Forest Park, which they called home for over 73 years and raised their three children.
For the last 47 years you could find Mary working alongside her best friend, Cynthia Czosnyka, shampooing and socializing with customers before Cindy would style them. Whether it was at Fresh Image or Always in Style, Mary was loved for her “magic hands” and endearing personality. Our family will forever be grateful to Cindy for the friendship she gave to Mary.
Mary found peace, strength and guidance through her Catholic faith and it was a cornerstone of her life.
When she wasn’t working or practicing her faith, she found joy in reading, the theater, trying new cuisines, and quality time spent with loved ones. She was always willing to try something new if it meant a shared experience with her grand- and great-grandchildren.
Mary was the wife of the late Gerald Bennett; the mother of Dale Bennett (Shelia), Gale Garces (late Paul) and Tina Sweda (Jeff); sister Gary Marolt (Bunny) and the late Michael Marolt (Susie); grandmother of 7 and great-grandmother of 3, Joey Sweda, Hallie Dingman (Michael), Peter Garces (Katrina), Eddie Sweda, Taylor Bennett (Margaret), Andy Garces, Colin Bennett, Addie Dingman, Ronin Garces and Meadow Garces; and the aunt and great-aunt of many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 10 to 11 a.m. at St. Luke Catholic Church, 528 Lathrop Ave., River Forest, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a donation made in Mary’s honor to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
Arrangements were handled by Zimmerman-Harnett Funeral Home.
