Mary J. Walton - 87

Flossmoor

Mary J. Walton nee Sullivan. Age 87. Longtime Flossmoor resident, born and raised in Grand Rapids, MI. Devoted daughter of the late Edith M. nee Smith and Dr. Monroe B. Sullivan, DDS. Sister of Thomas J. (Pam) Sullivan and the late Monroe B. (Fran) Sullivan. Aunt, cousin, and friend to many. Graduate of Mount Mercy Academy in Grand Rapids and Mercy College in Detroit, MI. After graduating with high honors, Mary entered the Sisters of Mercy until she left to pursue her desire to marry and raise a family.  She soon married former spouse Nathaniel F. Walton, Clinton, Iowa. The couple settled in the south suburbs and their family grew quickly. By the time her eldest was in first grade, Mary already had six children; Edie (Tom) Dobrez, Anne (Bob) Skoronski, Ray (Deb) Walton, Tim (Amy) Walton, Mary Clare Walton, Maggie (Brent) Bachus. When she was 40, her seventh child, Jeanne (Barry) Nohalty, was born three weeks late and weighed in at 10 lbs!  The busy mother took on the full-time position of Director of Religious Education at Infant Jesus of Prague (IJP), Flossmoor, and officially resumed her service to the church. During her tenure, she made a considerable impact on the IJP community. Working alongside the late Dee (Yeo) Adam and Nadine Garofalo, she led the religious education program with strong faith, grace, humor, and compassion.  After 25 years of service, she retired to take up duties as head cheerleader for her pride and joy, her grandchildren; Becca, Caroline, Tommy, Elizabeth, Robbie, Peter, Rachel, Sarah, Jack, Addy, Edie, Josie, Jane, Evie, and Jenna. Family and friends will meet at Infant Jesus of Prague Church, 1131 Douglas, Flossmoor on Saturday, February 5, 2022, from 11:30 am until the time of Funeral Mass 12:30 pm. The family requests donations to Respond Now in Chicago Heights, IL (https://respondnow.org/donate-online) in lieu of flowers. Interment private. Info Panozzo Bros. Funeral Home, Chicago Heights 708-481-9230 and panozzobros.com