Obituaries
Mary Ellen (Barrett) Caruso
June 9, 1945 - January 13, 2025


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VISITATION
June 9, 2025 | 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. - St. Thomas More Catholic Church 215 Thomas More Drive Elgin, Il 60123
- Memorial Mass
- June 9, 2025 | 11:00 A.M.
- St. Thomas More Catholic Church
Mary Ellen (Barrett) Caruso, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, pass away peacefully at home with family present on January,13, 2025. She led a life filled with faith, hope, love and laughter.
Mary was diagnosed with inoperable liver cancer with many other complications on November 30, 2024.
Born on June 9,1945 at St. Joseph Hospital in Chicago to Edwin J. (deceased) & Mary E. (O’Malley) Barrett (deceased).
She was the third of 3 children. Phillip E. Barrett (Kay) and John M. Barrett (deceased) (Valerie deceased).
She was raised on the Northwest side of Chicago and graduated from Alveria High School.
Mary was a loving wife to Joseph J. Caruso for over 62 years. Mary and Joe were married at St. Pascal church in Chicago on November 17, 1962, and enjoyed a lifetime of happiness together.
A devoted mother to 3 children- Joseph M. Caruso, Anne M. Compton (Faron), and Edward M. Caruso (Jocelyn). Loving grandmother to 2 grandchildren-Ashley M. Feagins, Justin S. Caruso and proud great grandmother to Sierra M. Feagins.
Mary and Joe lived in the same house in Wheaton Il for 50 years where they raised their family.
They moved to Del Webb Edgewater community, Elgin, IL in 2019.
Mary worked at Jewel-Osco for more than 20 years and retired in 2001.
Mary enjoyed music, crafting, cooking and baking (Irish coffee cake was her specialty), playing cards (she was especially proud winning a Blackjack tournament at the Four Winds Casino in Michigan) and was active with the boy scouts and girl scouts (den mother) and many functions at Washington School and St. Mark’s church in Wheaton. Mary and Joe enjoyed eating out.
Mary loved to visit with relatives, neighbors and friends. She was known for her warm smile and good nature. Summertime you would see Mary walking around the neighborhood talking to her neighbors.
Mary is survived by her loving husband, Joe; her 3 children & their spouses, Joe, Anne (Faron) and Ed (Joy); her 2 grandchildren, Ashlely & Justin; her great granddaughter, Sierra; and her brother & sister in-law Phillip (Kay).
She was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin & Mary, her brother, John, his wife Valerie and Mary’s beloved pet dog, Snuggles.
Mary was especially looking forward to celebrating her 80th birthday in June with her family, relatives, friends and neighbors.
Mary will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
A Memorial Mass and celebration of Mary’s 80th birthday will be held on 11:00 A.M. Monday June 9, 2025 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 215 Thomas More Dr., Elgin, Illinois 60123. Memorial visitation will be Monday June 9th from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the mass and a luncheon to follow after mass.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society in memory of Mary. For further information, please call Yurs Funeral Home, St. Charles, Il (630) 584-0060 or www.yursfuneralhomes.com.
Condolences
Karen from OC, CA
"Rest in Peace my sweet Aunt Mary. You are now free of pain and have earned your wings. I will miss you until we are reunited again ❤️"
darlene groth from fox lake , IL
"mary and i spent many hours talking on the phone, every month. i will truly miss those times. my family sends our prayers and thoughts to her family. The Groth,o'Malley,Corliss,and the Johnson family .god bless"
Tom Groth from Gurnee, IL
"What a beautiful obituary detailing a life well lived and my condolences to the Caruso family. I remember fondly hearing cousin stories from my dad Danny in regards to Mary Ellen and the other Barrett siblings along with seeing Mary Ellen at my dad’s family picnics. Thoughts and prayers."
Laura Fisher from Melrose Park, IL
"We are sad to hear about Mary Ellen’s passing. May she find peace in the heavens with the family that went before her. Wishes sent to find comfort in cherished memories. Maureen & Dick Fisher’s children- Laurie, Tim, & Gregory"
Dan Sommers from Roselle, IL
"What a wonderful, peaceful, loving person I have had the privilege of knowing. Mary's warm greeting and smile lit up the room when we met. I will certainly miss her. May she rest in peace with all the angels."
Nancy and Stephen DOWDLE from Vail, CO
"Our sincere condolences. She was always warm, friendly and curious about the people she spoke with. A special place in heaven for her."
Thomas Arends from Palatine , IL
"Mary was a wonderful, warm and pleasant woman who brought happiness to those around her. My condolences and continuing prayers to the Barrett and Caruso families."
Debbie Benson from Prosper, TX
"We are so sorry for your loss. Praying for you and family as you go through this difficult time. Great memories being neighbors with you for 16 years."
Joe Caruso from Orland Park, IL
"Very sorry for your loss Condolences to the Caruso family always enjoyed seeing Mary and Joe at the restaurant. Warm Wonderful lady."