IN MEMORIAM: Mary Deeley, Former Faculty Seabury-Western
Mary Katharine Deeley, Ph.D., former instructor of Old Testament at Seabury-Western, died on November 1st, 2025, in La Plata, Maryland, aged 74. Beloved wife, mother, friend, spiritual director, and colleague, she touched the lives of so many with her kindness, warmth, and grace.
Before retirement, she worked as a Pastoral Associate at the Sheil Catholic Center at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois for nearly 25 years. After retirement as a Pastoral Associate, she continued to work as a speaker, writer, and spiritual director. She lived in Winnetka, IL and is survived by her spouse Danielle Lum, daughters Katy and Annie, grandchildren Eleanor and Aurora, brother William Deeley, sister Patricia Deeley, and sister Janet Deeley. She was proceeded in death by sister Ann Lee.
Mary grew up in Hinsdale, Illinois and attended Rosary College (now Dominican University) in River Forest, IL. Subsequently, she received her Masters of Divinity from Yale Divinity School and her Ph.D. in biblical studies from Northwestern University. She spent most of her career working in campus ministry and teaching scripture. Her work covered many facets of ministry, including bible study, spiritual direction, retreats, and music. Her musical interests and talents were multiple. She played guitar for many years and sang for church choirs throughout her life. She also played the harp, piano, and the hammered dulcimer, and collected musical instruments of all shapes and sizes. Her taste in music stretched from Irish harp music to folk (John McCutcheon was her favorite folk musician) to Tom Lehrer.
Mary loved baking. Her family, her children’s friends, and generations of Sheil students remember her famous brownies. She was a fierce advocate for cooking from scratch. Her tastes in television shows reflected her passion for all things culinary; The Great British Bake Off, Master Chef, and Top Chef were some of her favorites.
Mary’s books include Mothers, Lovers, Priests, Prophets, and Kings: What the Old Testament Tells Us About God and Ourselves; Daybreaks: Daily Reflections for Advent and Christmas; and Remembering God: Resting in the Midst of Life. She also authored numerous reflections on lectionary readings, scripture, campus ministry, and young adults.
Mary went by many names. To her immediate family she was Kathy or Ka; to college friends, Mary Kate; to post college friends, Mary; to her grandchildren, GrandMary. However we knew her, she has touched all of our lives and will be greatly missed.
There was a visitation Friday, November 14, 2025 at Donnellan Family Funeral Home, 10045 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, IL 60077. Funeral Mass Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Sheil Catholic Center, 2110 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60201. Private interment for family only at All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines, IL.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: The Mary Katharine Deeley Fund for Retreat Scholarships and Spiritual Direction.
