Obituary: Mary "Yogi" Van Allen

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory​.

Mary A. “Yogi” Van Allen, age 81, of Joliet, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 8, 2026.She was born May 9, 1944 to the late Louise C. (nee Santusky) and Lawrence C. Van Allen, Sr.

She was born and raised in Joliet, Illinois, where she built a life rooted in hard work and community. She began her career as a beautician, a role that reflected her creativity and her love of helping others feel their best. Over the years, Mary’s strong work ethic led her to a variety of positions, including at Kerr Glass in Rockdale, Northern Petrochemical, and Rexnord. She also spent time working part-time at Jewel-Osco and Malnar’s Tap, where she enjoyed connecting with people and being a friendly face in the community.

Mary was known to be quite the character, always aiming to be the life of the party and bringing laughter wherever she went. She had a special love for spending time with her nieces and nephews, never missing a chance to share a joke or a good story. Fiercely competitive to a fault, Mary could often be found playing cards, games, or dice, always determined to win. She was a familiar face at her favorite McDonald’s, where the staff knew her order by heart—two medium coffees with a side of ice. Above all, Mary deeply adored her grandchildren, who were truly her pride and joy.

She is survived by her children, Charles (Hiroko) Van Allen and Cheryl Van Allen; her adoring grandchildren, Samantha (Daniel) Child, Charles Bryant Van Allen Jr., Cheryl Marie Van Allen, Abigail Downey, Caitlyn Downey, and James Downey; and sister, Louise Piotis. She also leaves many dear nieces, nephews, cousins and friends to cherish her memory.

Preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Lawrence Van Allen, Jr. and Martin Van Allen; and sisters, Charlotte Direnzo, Joan Warnell, and Dolores Patterson.

Memorial visitation for Mary A. Van Allen will be Thursday, May 14, 2026 at the at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL, from 3:00 p.m. until the time of service at 6:00 p.m. As it was her request, cremation rites have been accorded.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care or to Will County Humane Society.

For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.

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