Mary T. Borgmann, age 95, passed away June 24, 2025, at Heritage Woods in Freeport, IL. She was born April 2,1930 in Libertyville, IL to Arthur and Gorgonia (Wegener) Lichter. She graduated from Aquin Catholic High School in 1948. Mary married Virgil Borgmann on September 17, 1952, in Pecatonica, IL.

Mary touched many lives by not only raising her own 7 children, but so many others with providing daycare in her home. The house in Dakota was always filled with family and friends.  She was a strong advocate for special needs individuals and was a Special Olympics Coach, Stephenson County Association for the Handicap board member, Malcolm Eaton board member, and Illinois State Board of Handicap Citizens member. Many special Olympic athletes were able to participate because Mary drove the van to the sporting events. She was the 1st place winner in 2003 for the annual Stephenson County Quality of Life Awards, honored especially for her commitment to the Freeport Special Olympics team.

Mary was one of Dakota High School's ultimate fans. She never missed an opportunity to attend her children and grandchildren's sporting events, and in the later years of her life, she added great-grandchildren's sporting events to her long list of social activities. If you ever attended a Football game in Dakota, you most likely experienced Mary's welcoming smile as she sold tickets for 40 years. She was a Cub Scout Leader and Den Mother for 15 years, a member of the Dakota Band Boosters, and the Dakota Athletic Boosters.

Mary had very strong faith and provided support and strength to others when called upon. In 1993, Mary was named Catholic "Woman of the Year" from the Rockford Diocese, representing St. Mary's church in Durand, IL, which she was still an active member.  When asked to describe Mary by her family, the common theme is loving, kind, comforting, and faithful. It was mentioned that if you looked up the word "Grandma" in the dictionary, it would be a picture of Mary.

Mary is survived by her loving children, Brian (Kathy), David (Mindy), Sheila (Jay) Cummins, Kimberly Toelke, Kenneth (Michelle), daughter-in-law Jacqueline, and Daniel. Also, her devoted grandchildren, Renee (John), Robyn (Ethan), Rian (Aubrey), Taylor (Miguel), Jordyn (Jake), Kyle (Amy), Kendra (Josh), Tabytha, Jacqui, Holden, Logan, and Melinda. She was also blessed with wonderful step-grandchildren, Rebecca (Jeff), Joe (Morgan), Kelsey (Kory), and Zac. Mary was also very proud of her 18 great-grandchildren and 5 step great- grandchildren. She had many nieces and nephews that always received a loving hug. She also has a surviving sister-in-law, Nancy Lichter.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Virgil, parents, brothers Robert (Wanda) Lichter, Gerard (Shirley) Lichter, and Leonard Lichter. Her beloved son, Joel Borgmann, son-in-law, Joel Toelke, granddaughter, Randi Leigh Borgmann, and step grandson, Chad Cummins.

Visitation will be held Monday, June 30th, from 4-7 pm at Daughenbaugh Funeral Home in Dakota, IL. A funeral mass will be at 10:30 am on Tuesday, July 1st, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Davis, IL.  A memorial fund will be established at a later date.

Condolences can be shared with the family at www.walkermortuary.com