Mary M. Ernst

Mary Margaret Ernst (Smith), age 90, passed away on Saturday, September 20th, 2025, at Shorehaven Skilled Nursing Facility. Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband Donald Klehm Ernst. Mary and Donald were married in 1956, and their relationship was the keystone of her adult life. Together, they raised seven children along with four nieces and nephews, and doted upon their 16 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. This large family remained close to Mary and surrounded her with love up through her last moments. She was known as Oma to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and was cherished by all. She taught countless children how to bake, sew, knit, and crochet, and her calm, patient approach to life made her the perfect teacher for multiple generations.

Mary was born at Toronto General Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She was very proud of her Canadian heritage. She was raised on the East Coast of the United States and moved to the Midwest when she married Donald and started their married life together in the Chicago area.

Mary dedicated her life to the care and support of others through her family, her career, and her volunteer work. Mary began her career as a nurse at Boston Floating Hospital for Women and Children, then worked as a lead floor nurse at Resurrection Hospital Pediatric Ward in Chicago and later as a nurse manager running the Sunshine Alzheimer’s Unit at Lutheran Home and Service for the Aging in Arlington Heights, Illinois. In addition to her career, Mary was an active 4-H leader in Arlington Heights for more than a decade while raising her children. In retirement, Mary was a member of multiple organizations and served as Chaplain for the American Legion Post 323 Auxiliary in Henry, IL.

Mary leaves behind her seven children, James (Kim) Ernst, Nancy (Scott) Anderson, Bob (Laurie) Ernst, Karen (Eric) Senn, Gretchen (Kirk) Catherwood, Paul (Nancy) Ernst, Laura Ernst, niece Kathy Schopp, nephew John Geertz-Larsen and sixteen grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren.

Her parents, Beatrice MacNaughton and Fred E.A. Smith, sister Becky Titus, niece Wendy Geertz, nephew Rick Geertz, and a grandson, Alec Catherwood, preceded Mary in death.

The family would like to thank the staff at Shorehaven Skilled Nursing Facility in Oconomowoc for caring for and cherishing Mary in her last years of life and also Agrace Hospice for supporting Mary and her family in Mary’s final days.

There will be a family celebration of life in Delafield, Wisconsin and a graveside service in Henry, Illinois at a later date.