Mary V. Perina
1920-2008
Mary V. Perina, a 50-year resident of Hinsdale, Ill., and frequent visitor to Carson Valley for more than 12 years, visiting her family and friends, died March 1, 2008 at Hinsdale Hospital.
Mrs. Perina, 87, was born June 25, 1920, in Chicago, Ill. She was a graduate of Morton High School and went on to attend several institutions to continue her advanced education.
Her love of music culminated with her lead performance in several operas while attending school, and she had an early career working for Presbyterian/St. Lukes Hospital in Chicago and Ryerson Inc.
She married Henry Roger Perina Sept. 21, 1946, and celebrated 50 years of marriage prior to his death.
Mrs. Perina was a loving homemaker, raising her three children in Brookfield and then Hinsdale, before working for Marshall Field's. As a 27-year employee of the company, she helped open the Oak Brook location, retiring as assistant manager of the cosmetic department.
Mrs. Perina worked with her grandson, Jeff Lambin, BSA Eagle Scout in helping to develop the "Kids Kart," (www.kids-kart.com), a rolling pediatric cart filled with crafts, games and things for kids to do while in the hospital. This idea blossomed into over 22 Kids Karts across the nation as well as internationally.
She attended Hilltop Community Church in Carson City with her family Skip Perina and the Lambins. A lifelong humanitarian and an advocate for animals, she was a worldwide traveler, enjoying trips on the Concord, QE2 and to her family's ancestral home in the Czech Republic.
She is survived by her son Henry L. Perina of Hinsdale, her daughters Cynthia (Carl) Curry of Hinsdale, Illinois and Deborah (David) Lambin of Gardnerville, her grandchildren, Jessica, Elliot and Julia Curry, and Jeffrey, Rachael and John-Henry Lambin, her sister Patricia Beranek and her brother Otto (Maryanne) Vent.
A celebration of life will be held on her birthday, June 25, 2008, by her family. For more information please call 781-6894.
