Mary T. Kucia (nee Baranowski) 61 of Chicago (Hegewisch), Illinois, passed away Saturday, March 25, 2017 at her residence. Mary will once again be joyously united with her beloved husband, Stanley F. Kucia, Jr., who passed away November 13, 2012; cherished sister of Harry Baranowski, Jr. and Jane (Greg) Morgan; dear sister-in-law of Collette Baranowski; cherished aunt of Heather and Lauren Baranowski and Shelby Morgan; many other nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Anne (Dado) Baranowski.

Mary was a 1973 graduate of George Rogers Clark High School, Hammond, and went on to be a Data Entry Manager for Merrill Lynch, Chicago and then as an Office Manager for Charti Vangasm, MD. As a member of the Marian Theatre Guild of St. John Church, Whiting, Mary worked behind the scenes and played in the orchestra pit for many productions. More recently she was active with the Highland Wind Ensemble, playing the trumpet. Mary had a great sense of humor and was a charter member of the Calumet Clowns, Hammond. In 1979, at the 10th National Convention of Clown of America, Mary won first place as “Barney the Tramp” clown. She was the first women in tramp character to achieve this honor in the history of the convention.

Mary enjoyed having her family around her and being involved in their lives and activities. She relished hosting holiday and birthday parties and entertaining in her home. Mary delighted in going out to restaurants with friends and family, gambling at the riverboats, riding through parks and feeding the ducks. She was the neighborhood cat watcher, feeding strays and making sure they had a warm place to sleep and had a name for every one of them. Mary was a very devoted daughter, sister, wife, aunt, Godmother, confidant, loyal friend and a very generous person with a huge heart who would help anyone however she could. It is an understatement to say she will be missed by many, many people.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2017, 8:45am at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St., Whiting; a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 9:30am at St. Florian Church, Hegewisch, with the Rev. Robert Marchwiany, officiating; interment, St. John Cemetery, Hammond; visitation at the funeral home on Friday from 4:00 to 8:00pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the charity of your choice would be appreciated and in memory of Mary, take a friend to lunch. 

 Service Information