Mary Holowka Bochonko, 90, of McHenry, passed away suddenly on Sunday, November 26, 2023 at her home in McHenry, IL. She was born April 13, 1933 in Novasilka, Ukraine at the height of the Great Famine.

She came to America at the age of 16 with her parents and her two brothers and settled in New York City. Mary came from the most meager of means while in Ukraine and was determined that her family would have a better life. A strong woman and a hard worker, Mary's greatest gift was her capacity to love ~ purely, selflessly ~ and with an abundance of food.

She married Wallace E. Bochonko in New York City on November 9, 1957. Working the night shift at Motorola, raising two young children in Chicago, later moving to McHenry where she is still remembered as the owner of 'Simple Simon'. At home she regularly hosted large gatherings of family and friends, filled with laughter, love and her famed pierogies. She was never more filled with joy than when she was giving to those she loved. She was a beloved wife, mother, baba, aunt and friend who brightened every room she entered.

Her husband, Wallace E. Bochonko preceded her in death on September 15, 2016. Mary is survived by her children, Natalie, of California and Wally (Kathy) of Georgia and granddaughter, Sonja of Florida, nephew Gene, of Florida and great nephews Dylan and Tyler.

The memorial visitation will be Sunday, December 3, from 11 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 1 p.m., at Hamsher Lakeside Funerals and Cremations, 12 N. Pistakee Lake Rd., Fox Lake, IL. Inurnment will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL in the Spring of 2024.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mrs. Bochonko's name may be made to the American Heart Association.