December 10, 1946 - May 28, 2025
Mary Lou Gorman,78, of Steward, IL, passed away May 28, 2025, peacefully with her family by her side. She was the daughter of Louise and Orrin Knutson, born on December 10, 1946 in Aurora, Illinois. She married Thomas Gorman on January 20,1967.
Tom and Mary Lou farmed together in Lee County for over fifty years until their recent retirement. Mary Lou was the glue of her family, always setting things straight and never knowing the word “no,” especially when it came to her grandchildren. Whether it was making the perfect homemade macaroni and cheese, cutting crustless sandwiches into squares or being the super sheep washer making those Montadales shine bright white, she always went the extra mile for her loved ones.
Mary Lou wore many hats, all focused on developing children into young adults. She worked as a paraprofessional at Franklin Grove Elementary School and Indian Creek Schools and served as a 4-H leader for the Wyoming Indians 4-H club for 45 years. She was also devoted to the Lee County 4-H fair, serving as the Sheep Superintendent for many years. Mary Lou enjoyed her social time as a member of the TOPS and Red Hats Society chapters in Paw Paw, IL.
Mary Lou is survived by her husband Thomas of Steward, IL; daughters Lori (Gary) Wetzel Ashton, IL and Brenda (Matthew) Dismore Prairie Grove, AR; and her beloved grandchildren Aaron (Siera) Wetzel, Addison (Dylan) Hopkins, Brandon Dismore, and Blake Dismore. She is also survived by her great-grandchild Parker Wetzel; sisters-in-law Bev O’Donnell, Rosalie Egner, and Gloria Knutson; as well as many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her son David Gorman; her brothers Richard Knutson and Bill Egner; and her parents, Louise and Orrin Knutson.
A memorial service mass will take place on June 4th at 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 747 3rd Street, in West Brooklyn, IL. A celebration of life luncheon will follow from 12:30 to 3:30 PM at the Paw Paw Community Building, 362 Chicago Rd., in Paw Paw, Illinois.
Please consider memorial donation to the Wyoming Indians 4H Club in lieu of Flowers. Please direct those donations to Wyoming Indians 4H Club Acct, NuMark Credit Union, 235 Chicago Rd, Paw Paw, Illinois 61353. Please visit www.TormanFuneralHome.com to sign the online guest book.
