Mary Lou (Chickadonz) Mauk

Mary Lou Mauk, nee Chickadonz, (“Toots” and “Chick” to her many friends and family) passed away peacefully on August 15, 2023 in San Jose, California, where she had lived for many years. 

Chick was born May 2, 1931 in Casey, Illinois.  She grew up on her parents’ farm just outside of town.  She graduated from Casey High School before marrying Max Mauk of Casey, Illinois on June 10, 1950, and moving to South Bend, Indiana, where Max worked in the aerospace industry.  They had two children, Tami and Dale, while living in Indiana.  When Max’s career took them to California, Chick and Max made their home in Saratoga where Chick began collecting and dealing in antiques.  The family spent weekends and vacations in their camper rock-hounding.  Chick learned to cut and polish gem stones and had a beautiful collection.  But her most amazing talent was her cooking.  Her grandsons will remember her delicious pies forever.  Everyone who knew her knew she was a kind, sociable, friendly soul.   She was a wonderful mother, mother-in-law, aunt, and grandmother and we will miss her deeply. 

Chick was preceded in death by her beloved husband Max Mauk, daughter and son-in-law, Tami and Terry Rutter, parents John and Mamie Chickadonz, and sister and brother-in-law Marjorie and Ray Hall.

Chick is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Dale Mauk and Carol Strahan, grandsons Seamus Strahan-Mauk (Analisa Raccanello), Cianan Mauk (Kelsey Mauk), Rory Strahan-Mauk (Samantha Issleb), great-grandsons Byron and Killian Mauk, nieces Diana Metcalf (Robert Metcalf), Lisa Durham, and nephew Steven Hall (Cathy Minor Hall).

There will be a private burial in Casey Cumberland Cemetery, Casey, IL.

To view the full obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle or post photos, visit www.markwellfuneralhome.com.  Markwell Funeral Home of Casey, IL is in charge of the arrangements.

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