Mary Holman Rahm (nee Shaw)

July 21, 1931 - January 25, 2018

Mary Holman Rahm nee Shaw

Mary passed away peacefully on Friday, January 26, 2018 with all seven of her children by her side. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, GG, sister, and friend, always putting others before herself.  She had the most generous, loving heart and touched many people’s lives with her presence.  Her family and friends will always be thankful for the gift that was her life. She is survived by her children Robert (Peggy) Holman, Ellen Stream, Marilee (Fred) Jacobson, Veva (Dan) Doogan, Cathy Jo Dolgner, Lee Richard Holman, James (Karie) Holman. Grandmother of 15, great grandmother of 22, great-great grandmother of 7 with two more on the way. Numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her parents William and Veva (Smades) Shaw, her husband Leon Allen Holman, sisters Ruth Schemel and June Virden, brother Albert Shaw, grandchildren Lee Holman, Clifford and Lee Anne Doogan. Visitation is from 3:00 until 8:00 PM on Thursday, February 1, 2018 at Gerardi Funeral Home 9501 W Lincoln Hwy. Frankfort, IL.  Funeral is on Friday, February 2, 2018 at St. Peter’s UCC, 12 W Sauk Trail, Frankfort, IL 60423 visitation from 10:00 -11:00 AM service to follow.  In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mary to St. Peter’s UCC Frankfort or Vitas Hospice 8525 W. 183rd St. Suite M, Tinley Park, IL  60487.

Mary was a women larger than life and could be best described as: Resilient,Vibrant, Tenacious, Savvy, Energetic, Joyful, Loving, Passionate, Friendly, Spiritual and Fearless!  An Active Leader in the Frankfort Community and Church, Mary was one of the original founders of Frankfort Fire Protection District Women’s Auxiliary, a member of St. Peter’s Women’s Fellowship, and a member of SOP (Senior’s on Patrol).

Being charitable and philanthropic came second nature to Mary.  She was a self-less and compassionate person, whom over the years opened her heart and home to many.  This included sponsoring a family from Cambodian, who in turn became an extension of her own family.

In addition to being extremely hard working and industrious, Mary had an entrepreneurial spirit!  She ran the lunch counter and pizzeria restaurant at the Frankfort Bowling alley, where her famous and secret pizza recipe originated.  The Tomahawk restaurant in Mokena, featured her homemade comfort food and pizza, was another business she owned and operated with love and joy.  Finally, there was Rahmbrant’s Decorating Service, which was a testament to her business savvy and passion for decorating.

Mary was handy, very crafty, and creative with a flair for “turning a sow’s ear into a silk purse.”  She took great pride in hand-making countless gifts for friends and family, all wrapped to perfection.  She crocheted afghans and quilts for all of her great and great-great grandchildren up until the week she passed away.  She hosted monthly jewelry beading get-togethers with a group of women who called themselves the “Bead Bitches.”

Mary’s many hobbies, loves and passions also included: refinishing furniture, gardening, canning her famous apple butter with her granddaughter Betsy, baking her famous and secret chocolate chip cookies, hosting and cooking her once a month Sunday dinners, and setting her dining room table with her special dinnerware.  She loved dancing everyday as her workout, attending Friday Bingo, beating everyone at Rummy, laughing any chance she’d get, and of course finding a great deal at a garage sale!

Home is where her heart was.  Mary lived at her home on White Street for over 50 years.  It was a charming home on a perfect corner in a wonderful town.  It was her haven and refuge and was curated beautifully with objects and items that she truly loved, found, refinished, crafted, collected and treasured.  It was merchandised impeccably with a museum-like quality and was a showplace that she was so proud of.

Mary lead a simple life but wasn’t a simple woman.

She’s leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and the true meaning of selflessness.

She will be greatly missed.

 

“Weep Not For Me”

By an unknown author

 

Weep not for me though I have gone

Into that gentle night

Grieve if you will, but not for long

Upon my soul’s sweet flight

I am at peace, my soul’s at rest

There is no need for tears

For with your love I was so blessed

For all those many years

There is no pain, I suffer not

The fear is now all gone

Put now these things out of your thoughts

In your memory I live on

Remember not my fight for breath

Remember no the strife

Please do not dwell upon my death

But celebrate my life