Mary Marie Wilbur, 71, passed away following a tragic automobile accident in Geneva, Illinois, on July 4, 2026. Eight days later, her beloved son, Zach Rohback, age 27, also passed away as a result of injuries sustained in the accident.
Mary was born on June 24, 1955, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to Genevieve Ellen (Campion) Wilbur and William Frederick Wilbur. She is survived by her loving siblings: JoEllen (Robert Hedrick), Patrick (Carol), Michael (Linda), and Thomas (Marisel) Wilbur.
Family was at the center of Mary's life, and she cherished her extended family, including twelve nieces and nephews and thirteen grandnieces and grandnephews.
Mary graduated from Immaculate Conception Grade School and High School in Elmhurst, Illinois. She earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame, in 1977, followed by a master's degree in Hospital Administration from the University of Houston and an MBA from Loyola University Chicago.
She enjoyed a distinguished career in hospital administration in Texas and Atlanta before returning to the Chicagoland area. In her forties, Mary fulfilled her greatest dream when she became a mother. Later, she discovered her true calling in education, dedicating herself to teaching English as a Second Language. In 2010, she earned a master's degree in Education from Aurora University and never looked back. Mary loved teaching and was deeply devoted to her students.
At the time of her passing, she was preparing to return for another year of full-time teaching with Plainfield School District 202. Mary often said that her happiest moments were spent traveling. She never missed a family graduation, baby shower, baptism, wedding shower, or other milestone celebration, no matter the distance. She explored the world with friends, family, and her son, and she was always eager for a new adventure. Just one month before her passing, Mary and Zach shared the trip of a lifetime to Machu Picchu.
A devoted Notre Dame football fan, Mary could rival anyone with her knowledge of the game. She was equally well known for her trademark "Irish goodbyes," slipping away without fanfare at the end of gatherings.
Today, we say one final Irish goodbye to a beloved little sister, mother, aunt, teacher, friend, and traveler. Mary's warmth, dedication, adventurous spirit, and unwavering love for family will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026 from 4-8 p.m. at Ahlgrim Funeral Home, 567 S. Spring Road, Elmhurst, Illinois 60126. Funeral Friday, July 24, 2026 beginning at 8:45 a.m. from the funeral home to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 134 Arthur Street, Elmhurst, Illinois 60126 for a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 9:30 a.m. Interment at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Janesville, Wisconsin at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD.org) or to Saint Mary's College, 110 Le Mans Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556 or at http://saintmarys.edu/donate.
For more information, 630-834-3515 or www.Ahlgrim.com.
