Mary Munro

Mary Munro departed on December 10, 2019 at the age of 67 in her home in Evanston, IL. She will be remembered as a dedicated mother to her three children; Dunham, Emily, and James Leiner; a supportive older sister to Sandy and Polly Munro; and a caring wife to William "Bill" Leiner for 40 years.
 
Mary was born on April 2, 1952 to Dixie McGrath Munro and James Hamilton Munro. She grew up in Lamar, CO where the family had lived for several generations. A gifted storyteller, she was proud of her small-town heritage and loved sharing family stories of the humor and hardship of homesteading on the Great Plains. A talented student, Mary graduated salutatorian of her high school class and won a National Merit Scholarship to Ripon College in Ripon, Wisconsin. She had a lifelong love of literature, attending Indiana University for her Master's degree in English before embarking on a career in publishing in Chicago. She could often be found reading out on the front porch or in front of the fireplace. Her three children fondly remember the many bedtime stories she read to them. 
 
Mary approached her life with optimism, generosity, determination, and good humor. She found joy in the simple things— a sunny afternoon in her garden, hearing a funny story on National Public Radio, a cup of tea or glass of wine on the front porch with friends, watching birds in the backyard, or a walk to the local farmers' market. She brought these gifts into even her final years as she confronted a terminal illness. Her warmth, brilliance, and kindness continue to inspire the family and friends who knew her, and she will be greatly missed by all who loved her. 
 Memorial donations for Mary can be made to​ National Public Radio​, the ​Evanston Public Library​, or a charity of your choice. A memorial service will be planned for January. 

Arrangements entrusted to Evanston Funeral & Cremation, Roland F. Weis director. Infor 847 866-8843, condolence and guestbook at evanstonfuneral.com
 

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