Mary Margaret Skipton

Mary Margaret Skipton, née Sullivan, age 78, passed away peacefully in Park Ridge on October 10, 2026. Mary was born to her Irish immigrant parents, Michael and Helen (née D’Arcy) Sullivan, in Chicago, Illinois. Mary attended Our Lady of Lourdes Grammar School and Immaculata High School. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Loyola University, where she triple-majored. Mary was a proud Irish-American woman and a talented Irish step dancer. She joined the Chicago office of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in 1969 after graduating from Loyola. While there, Mary held a series of positions in the Human Resources Department, including leading recruitment and staffing for the Chicago office. Mary was credited with establishing one of the most effective urban intern programs at HUD. In 1983, Mary joined the Harold Washington administration as Deputy for Finance and Administration with the City of Chicago’s Department of Housing. While there, she brought merit and fairness to the hiring process.Mary was appointed Purchasing Agent by Mayor Washington in 1985. She was the first woman to head the City’s Purchasing Department. The City Council voted unanimously to reconfirm her to a four-year term in 1988. Mary left the public sector in 1989. In 1992, she launched Energon, Inc., a natural gas supplier with offices on LaSalle Street in Chicago. During her 17 years of ownership, Energon was recognized as one of the top women-owned businesses in the United States by Women’s Enterprise USA magazine and was featured in MBE Magazine with an article titled “Q & A with the CEO of Energon, Inc.” Entrepreneur Magazine recognized Energon, Inc. as one of the fastest-growing women-owned businesses in 2006. She sold Energon, Inc. in 2008.

She met Don McQuilkin in 1992, and they became friends, which later developed into a deep love for one another. They were married in 2005. Mary and Don spent their retirement years traveling between their homes in Park Ridge and Texas. They also traveled extensively throughout Europe. Mary was a “fashionista” and knew how to throw a party. Mary had many pets throughout her life and treated them like family. Mary is survived by her husband of 21 years, her stepchildren, Christopher (Beth), Lisa, and Rachel (J), her many loving cousins and friends, especially Jane Mistretta, Sheila Jaycox, Eileen Donohue, and her sister-in-law, Joanne McQuilkin. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Helen. Mary was deeply loved, and anyone who knew her was better for it. Mary will be missed by all who knew her.

Mary's services will be a visitation on Thursday, October 15, 2026 from 3:00pm to 8:00pm at Cooney Funeral Home located at 625 Busse Hwy, Park Ridge IL 60068 and Friday, October 16, 2026 a Funeral Mass will be held at Mary Seat of Wisdom located at1352 S Cumberland Ave, Park Ridge, IL 60068 at 10am.

Followed by her interment at All Saints Cemetery located at 700 N River Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016.

In in lieu of flowers please consider a donations to St. Jude in Mary's honor.