Mary Ann E. Gerut, 94, of Oak Park, died peacefully in the early morning of May 9, 2026, in Hinsdale. Born in Evanston to John and Emma Creighton, she graduated from Notre Dame High School in Chicago. She married John Gerut, of Chicago, in May 1955. She loved Baroque, choral, and classical music. A prolific reader, she also found great joy in the written word, journaling, crafting short stories, and sharing her experiences through a pair of published articles. She was an active member of the Unity Temple Unitarian Church and a founding member of the choir.
A single parent, she worked many jobs, including secretary at several legal firms and ad agencies. She taught at Alcuin Montessori, worked at the Hephzibah after-school program and later with developmentally disabled adults at Seguin. She was persistent, learning to drive in her late 40s, and graduating at 53 with a degree in education from Rosary College (now Dominican University). She taught English to seventh- and eighth-graders at area Catholic schools. A teacher at heart, she loved talking to her children’s friends and spending time with younger people. She was proud of her children and grandchildren.
A lover of animals and wildlife, she volunteered at Brookfield Zoo and gave when she could to nature and wildlife organizations. Her chocolate chip cookies were legendary.
Mary is survived by her children, Mary Kay Javors (Jeff), Graceann Foulkes (Fred), and John (Julie), and her grandchildren, Sarah Clare, Garrett, Creighton, Harris, Jackson and Leah.
A service will be held at Unity Temple on Nov. 21 at 1:30 p.m. Contributions may be made to Hephzibah Children’s Association or Unity Temple.