Mary Ann McCarthy, 68, of East Peoria, passed away peacefully Thursday, November 9th, 2023 at her home.

She was born October 27th, 1955 in Peoria to the late Richard E. "Brownie" and Roselita M. "Rosie" Bentler Brown.

Surviving are three children, Ryan McCarthy, Jamie (Joshua) Smith, Chris McCarthy; four grandchildren, Chloe, Carter, Charlotte, and Camille Smith; six siblings, Larry (Joan) Brown, Peggy (Ken) Turnipseed, Jane (Ron) Nieukirk, Jerry (Cindy) Brown, Sue (Ron) Ortle, JoAnn (Mike) Melton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary Ann worked as a dental hygienist with Orland Park Dental Services (OPDS).  In her free time, Mary Ann loved to shop and always found the stores with the most unique gifts.  If she gave you a present you always knew it would be something fun, colorful, and sometimes very peculiar!  She loved a great card game with friends or family or a day gambling at the casino in hopes to win big.  She always had a smile on her face, the loudest voice in the room, and a Diet Coke in her hand.

Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends, and most especially her grandchildren who knew her as "Gigi".  She was a best friend to so many and will be dearly missed.

Visitation will from 5 to 7pm Thursday, November 16th at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington.  Funeral Mass will be held at 11am Friday, November 17th at St. Philomena Church in Peoria, with Fr. David Richardson officiating.  Entombment will be at Resurrection Mausoleum in Peoria.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Dixon Group Home, 314 S. Ottawa, Dixon, IL 61021.