Mary Katherine Durrenberger

Mary Durrenberger (Mutchler), 54, of Big Sandy, TN, (formerly of Rockford, IL), passed away peacefully, Tuesday April 1, 2025, after battling cancer for many years. Mary was born August 17, 1970, in Onalaska, WI, the daughter of Edwin and Junabelle (Luke) Mutchler.

As a young girl, Mary played piano, enjoyed Girl Scouts, loved family games & cards, and played oboe in the Rockford Youth Symphony. She was always a happy-go-lucky little girl who enjoyed learning, the outdoors, and meeting new people.

Following receiving her B.S. Music (in Music Therapy) from Illinois State University - Normal in 1993, Mary spent a summer abroad in Europe where she focused on music and great composers. Once back home, Mary worked in Chicago as a music therapist. After moving back to Rockford in 2004, Mary continued using her musical gifts and ability to connect with people as she worked for several years as a preschool teacher. Eventually, she found her true niche serving at local nursing homes and senior centers as their Activities’ Director.

In 2005, Mary met her life partner, Mike, while playing cribbage at Sinnissippi Park & Gardens in Rockford. Also delighting in a motorcycle ride together that evening, Mary and Mike went on to spend 20 years together enjoying their shared interests of bike riding, cribbage playing, and spending time together in the out-of-doors.

A devoted mother, the highlight and ‘treasure’ of Mary’s life was her daughter, Ana. As the Girl Scout Leader for Ana’s troop for 10+ years, Mary encouraged young girls to appreciate nature, explore new arenas, and be compassionate towards others. Mary also spent many summers involved with the Rockford Starlight Outdoor Theater, playing in the orchestra and sewing costumes. Additionally, along with Ana, she offered her skills for many productions with the Bonzi’s Theater in Rockford.

In 2020, Mary moved to TN with her partner, Mike. Their ‘little log cabin in the woods’ offered many years of quiet and solitude as they immersed themselves in the beautiful woods and countryside that surrounded their home. Additionally, Mary was an avid “Crafter” who excelled at many forms of art and craft making.

Truly, Mary will be remembered for her love of all kinds of music---from classical to country to rock---and her infectious laughter. When Mary walked into a room . . . it always lit up! She was a fun person to be around and made friends easily.

As the lyrics say in one of Mary’s favorite songs, Red River Valley:

“From this valley they say you are going,

We will miss your bright eyes and sweet smile

For they say you are taking the sunshine

That has brightened our pathways awhile.”

While we will surely miss Mary’s bright eyes and sweet smile, nothing can ever  take away the ‘sunshine’ that Mary’s life spread across the paths of all who knew her . . .

Mary is survived by her partner, Michael Boothe, of Big Sandy, TN, her daughter, Anastasia Durrenberger, of Madison, WI, her father, Edwin Mutchler, of Birchwood, Wisconsin, siblings Fred (Jeanette) Mutchler, Beth (Jerry) O’Brien, John (Perrin) Mutchler, and Mark (Shari) Mutchler, two stepsons and a grandson, numerous nieces and nephews, and many special friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Junabelle, and her brother, Matthew Mutchler.

A Celebration of Life and gathering will be held on Sunday, June 29, at 4:00 pm, at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road.

Cress Funeral Home

3610 Speedway Road

608-238-3434