Submit a PhotoIt is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Mary Rita Freudenthal, who left us on February 14, 2025, at the age of 78. Mary was the beloved wife of Bob Freudenthal for 56 years and a devoted mother to Maura, Mike, and Brian. Her legacy of love, compassion, and unwavering dedication to family, education, and her community will live on in all who knew her.
Born on August 21, 1946, to John and Florence Shaughnessy, Mary grew up in Chicago alongside her siblings, John, Joan, Mike, Jean, and Florence. Family was always central to Mary’s life, and she cherished her role as a loving sister and daughter.
Mary’s greatest joy was her family. She and Bob built a loving home together filled with music and laughter and raised three children who continue her legacy. As a mother, she nurtured Maura, Mike, and Brian with love and guidance, shaping them into the people they are today. She later became a proud and adoring grandmother to Kaulin, Konner, Ryan, Kaylee, Rylee, Faith, and Matthew, and a great-grandmother to Galilee, each grandchild a source of immense pride and joy. She was also a loving aunt to all of her nieces and nephews.
Mary’s passion for education touched the lives of thousands of students throughout her career. She began as a teacher in the Chicago Public Schools. She later became a respected psychology professor at Moraine Valley College, inspiring countless students to pursue their dreams and passions. Her ability to connect with her students and her deep commitment to their success made a lasting impact on many, and she was adored by those who had the privilege of learning from her.
Mary’s kindness, wisdom, and humor will be remembered by all who knew her. She had a rare gift of making others feel heard, understood, and valued, and she will be deeply missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and students.
A memorial service will be held to honor Mary’s life and legacy. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society, to continue supporting the research needed to eradicate cancer.
Mary Rita Freudenthal’s life was one of love, devotion, and family. She will be missed beyond measure, but her spirit will live on in the countless lives she touched. May she rest in peace, knowing that her love and her work will continue to inspire all who knew her.
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Mary-Rita was an absolute gem of a person. She was always a ray of sunshine. I will miss her sweet smile. She was so welcoming and friendly when I was a new faculty member at the college. Her students and coworkers loved her. ♥️
I can’t even put into words the incredible impression Mary-Rita had on my life. She was an incredible mentor and colleague. Her personality and zest for life was a true gift. I will never forget the years I spent learning from her. My heart aches at the loss of such an amazing person. She was loved but anyone who knew her. ♥️
Mary Rita was such a treasure! When in her presence you were blessed with her light, joy, and laughter. She certainly left a remarkable legacy behind in her beautiful family, which she loved beyond measure. The students who were blessed to learn from her were certainly enriched in ways that will positively impact them the rest of their lives. What a legacy! Cheers, my friend, rest in peace. ❤️
Mary Rita was such a joyful person. I took her psychology class at Moraine and enjoyed every minute of her class. She often centered her lectures around her family experiences. A great teacher and co-worker.
We are very saddened to hear of Mary’s passing. She was a life long friend who was blessed with compassion, character, love and humor. We will joyously carry our memory of Mary with us for all eternity. Mary was a special person who could connect with anyone no matter what the occasion. When you spoke with Mary you always had her undivided attention and she always had a caring perspective to share to a conversation. She was a great friend, wife, mother, daughter and aunt. Every family should be lucky enough to have someone as special as Mary as part of their social fabric. Our sympathies and condolences are with Bob, Maura, Mike and Brian and all of the extended Freudenthal and Shaughnessy families. Rest in peace Mary. You were loved by many and will be missed by many. Love, Jean and Karl Meyer
Both Mary Rita & her husband Bob are exceptional humans. I was very fortunate to have been taught by both at MVCC back in 1997-1999. She always had a smile on her face & enthusiasm for teaching was contagious . Sending prayers to her family. She will be missed.
Mrs. Freudenthal was my favorite College Instructor. Shes a wonderful woman. Amazing Hugs!
Hugs to you all.
Love Tracie
Mary is awesome! A great teacher, a magnificent smile, and a laugh that made you feel at home and smile. As the college photographer I loved going to her class to make photos, and I always learned something.
I’m so sorry to learn of Mary Rita’s death. Like many of the tributes above I have to add similar reminiscences. I worked with Mary Rita for 28 years. Though my official assignment at Moraine was in the counseling department, I taught psychology classes also for many years. Every encounter with Mary Rita as department chair was supportive, cheerful and positive. She was a bright light for all the students and faculty at the college. Mary Rita, Rest in the peace that you so richly deserve! George Ortenzo
We’re very sorry to hear about Mary Rita’s passing and for the heartbreak that her family is experiencing. She and Bob inspired me to study psychology and to pursue it as a career when I was a young student.
Her passion for life influenced all of us in the classroom! She mentored me and other professors when we started teaching and we couldn’t think of a better role model for our own students. She loved her family to no end and my heart is very heavy for Bob, her children and family. All of us at the college will always remember her smile, energy, and sunshine! May her memory be eternal. ❤️
I was in awe of her as a teacher and the respect she earned over the decades from students, faculty, and staff. Everyone she befriended is a better person for knowing her.
Deepest Condolences to the Fruedenthal Family Mary Rita was one of the finest Ladies I ever had the privilege of knowing…an incredible teacher and amazing friend to me…Bob and Brian Mike and Maura God Bless you all…