Mary Plunkett

Mary Sue (Doeseckle) Plunkett, 75, of Douglas, Michigan and Naples, Florida, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 6, 2025, after a life filled with love, creativity and adventure.

Mary's greatest joy was her family, a legacy built over 57 and a half years with her devoted husband, Michael Edward Plunkett. Their enduring love was the foundation for their three children: Jennifer Knuepfer, Malinda (George) Vasilakopoulos, and Michael (Michelle) Plunkett. She was a cherished grandmother to her eight grandchildren: Kyle, Josh, Starla, Ari, Miki, Cameron, Lucas, and Layne. She spent many treasured years raising her family in Woodridge, Illinois, before moving to Douglas to enjoy the beauty of the lakeshore.

Born on November 2, 1949, Mary was the beloved daughter of the late Robert and Etheldra (Schumann) Doeseckle. A graduate of Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School in 1967, Mary continued her education at Quincy University where she met her husband. After earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in Interior Design and her Master of Science degree in Art Education from Northern Illinois University, she designed commercial spaces with her own firm, Interior Impressions—including many local high school offices. She also adored teaching art to elementary and middle school students.

A true creative at heart, Mary's talents spanned various art mediums including drawing, printmaking, photography and handmade lamp glass bead jewelry. Finding tranquility while tending her beautiful gardens, sketching her flowers, or reading a good book, she also loved sailing and watching sunsets on the beach with her family—a simple joy that captured the beauty and peacefulness she brought into their lives. Mary shared her passions in the community by volunteering with the Saugatuck Douglas Art and Garden clubs.

Survived by her loving husband, children, and grandchildren, as well as her five siblings: Margaret (James) Corrado, Robert (Sang) Doeseckle, Nancy (Jerry) Miller, Jane (Dave) Weigel, and John (Donna) Doeseckle. She also leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Michael Joseph Doeseckle.

Service Information

Funeral service will take place on Monday, October 13, 2025, 9:15am at RICHARD J. MODELL FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES; 12641 W. 143rd St., Homer Glen, IL, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 am at Our Lady of the Woods Parish, 10731 W. 131st St., Orland Park, IL.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 12, 2025, from 3:00-8:00 pm.

Donations

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, an organization dedicated to research and support (https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate).

For further information, 708-301-3595 or rjmodellfh.com. Local arrangements were made by Dykstra Funeral Home- Saugatuck Chapel.