Mary Emma Grennan (née Harrigan), 94, died peacefully in her Oak Park home of over 50 years on Nov. 11, 2020. She was a 1947 graduate of Mundelein College in the school of Journalism, where she wrote for the school paper and met her husband Edmund, at a mixer between her school and his, Loyola University. They were inseparable for the rest of their lives. 

Throughout her life, until her declining years, she was very active in her church, Ascension, particularly as a longtime member of the Altar and Rosary Society. She was a convert but, as the family used to joke, they are "always the best Catholics." 

Mary and Ed had a broad love of culture: theater, music, dining, film and more, which they instilled in their family. She loved her father's hometown in Portage, Wisconsin and would visit there whenever possible. Even as adults, the children would accompany her there almost every year for a fall getaway. When the time and the world is right, she will be interred at a family plot in Silver Lake Cemetery in Portage where Ed awaits her. 

Her life work was without doubt, her love of her family and she was a profound success. Hanging up the phone, or leaving after a family gathering, someone would usually say "I love you." She would invariably reply, "Love you more!" That was felt and the love continues.

Mary and Ed Grennan had six children, Mary Beth, Edmund, Sean (Kathy Santen) Tricia, Mark, and Erin (Paul Slade Smith). Additionally, daughter Mary Beth gave her two beloved grandchildren, Ryan and Megan. Mary was predeceased by her parents, Albert and Marie Harrigan, and her sister, Lynn.