Mary L. Heath

Mary L. Heath, 87, of Barrington, Illinois, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2026. Born on March 10, 1939, in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada, she was the daughter of Clifford and Helen Lamb and the beloved sister of Linda Fox.

Mary lived in Aylmer, Ontario, Canada for her early years. She loved talking about her time there and all the fun she had with her friends and her sister, Linda. She often told stories of the small town and the freedom she had growing up in this magical place. When she was 13, her family relocated to Florida.

Mary graduated from Clearwater High School and St. Petersburg Junior College before earning her degree with high honors from the University of Florida. She devoted 21 years to teaching and retired from North Barrington Elementary School, where she taught several grade levels. Her students and colleagues will remember her warmth, patience, and lifelong dedication to education.

Mary met Owen Heath on their first day of junior college. They married in 1960 and shared 66 devoted years together. After living in several parts of the country, they settled in Barrington in 1980. Mary and her family joined the Presbyterian Church of Barrington in 1983, finding deep meaning in its fellowship and music ministry. Together, Mary and Owen built a life centered on family, faith, and service. Mary served as a church deacon and joyfully participated in the annual Christopher House Christmas Program.

Soon after Mary retired from teaching, she welcomed her first grandchild, Lara. Retirement quickly became a new chapter of caregiving as Mary drove to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, each week to help care for her. Two years later, two additional grandchildren were born, and Mary lovingly divided her time among all three for many years. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and nothing brought her greater joy than spending time with them.

Mary is survived by her husband, Owen; her children, Gregory (Lisa) Heath and Susan (Jeffrey) Lubinsky; and her grandchildren, Jack Heath, Lara Lubinsky, and Kate Lubinsky. She is also survived by her sister, Linda Fox, and her cousin, Dinah Lee Anderson. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Helen Lamb.

Mary’s gentle spirit, steadfast faith, and devotion to her family will always be remembered. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all those she taught, loved, and inspired.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 11, from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church of Barrington. A light lunch will be served in the Fellowship Hall following the service. Burial for family and close friends will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, 610 Dundee Avenue, Barrington, IL 60010.

Memorial contributions may be made to the music program at the Presbyterian Church of Barrington, 6 Brinker Road, Barrington Hills, IL 60010, in honor of Mary’s love of worship and song, Donate Online