Mary Shira Ann Irvine OBITUARY

Mary Shira Ann Irvine OBITUARY

Mary Ann (Shira) Irvine, age 87, a 52-year resident of Park Ridge, IL, recently of Oak Park, IL, passed away on June 7, 2026, following a sudden and aggressive cancer diagnosis. Beloved wife of William K. Irvine for 65 years, loving mother of Nancy Irvine (Mike Barrette), Doug Irvine (Kate Preftakes), and Andy Irvine (Sarah), adoring sister of Sharon Lu Swanson and Linda Kay O’Hara, Mary Ann was also the proud grandmother of nine grandchildren: Brendan, Brigid, Asa, Finley, Atticus, Nell, Beatrix, Sheamus, and Cuinn.

Born in Louisiana on May 3, 1939, Mary Ann was the middle child of distinguished oral surgeon Major General Robert B. Shira, DDS, and Annie Eileen Shira. She graduated Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa from Miami University of Ohio in 1961.

Mary Ann’s professional career began in the private sector as Manager of Public Information in the Communications Department of the U.S. League of Savings Institutions in Chicago. She served as Park Ridge’s first Public Information Coordinator, a role in which she organized the City’s 50th birthday celebration for First Lady and former resident Hillary Clinton. Mary Ann also made an impact in state government as a trusted advisor, campaign manager, and legislative aide to State Representative Rosemary Mulligan.

Mary Ann’s civic and community leadership was expansive, including two terms as Park Ridge Alderman (famously earning her the nickname “Mary AlderAnn”), various roles on the Park Ridge Public Library Board of Trustees, appointment to the Illinois White House Commission on Library and Information Services, a decade of involvement in the Maine South Adult Chapter of AFS, and a lifetime membership in the League of Women Voters. Her commitment to equal rights profoundly shaped the values of her children and grandchildren, leaving an inspiring legacy for everyone who knew her.

A patron of the arts and humanities, Mary Ann attended over 1,000 theater productions and loved visiting presidential museums and libraries during her many travels. She established lifelong friendships through her memberships in the Gourmet Group in the 1970s and the Flexible Book Club in the 1980s. An avid Chicago Cubs fan, a highlight for Mary Ann was her 2005 trip to Cooperstown, NY, to witness Ryne Sandberg’s Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony. She celebrated her 85th birthday at a Cubs game, then received a personal video message from Ryne Sandberg. Soon afterward, Mary Ann experienced the thrill of skydiving with her son, Andy.

A devoted grandmother, Mary Ann enthusiastically celebrated her grandchildren’s events, activities and accomplishments, setting a lasting example of her enduring love.

Mary Ann was known for her quick wit and humor, political instincts, intellectual curiosity, gift of conversation, and talent for hosting the perfect event. Whether working on behalf of constituents, volunteering in her community, or spending time with family and friends, she approached every endeavor with energy, determination, enthusiasm, and her welcoming spirit.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Mary Ann’s honor at a later date.