Anne Marie Casey, Owner Of Chic, Elegant Annie’s Ltd., Dies At 68

OAK LAWN, IL — Anne Marie Casey, who brought style to 95th Street for over four decades with her well known clothing boutique, died Aug. 24. She was 68.

Since 1982, Annie’s Ltd in Oak Lawn was a south suburban shopping destination, offering effortless style with an edge. Casey’s eye was sharp when curating women’s apparel for her retro storefront at 5203 W. 95th St.

More often than not, she was ahead of the curve when introducing emerging fashion brands months ahead of the larger south suburban shopping venues.

Smart, chic, trim and pretty, Casey was among the last of the proprietors of an independently owned, brick and mortar dress shop, that continued to thrive and wildly succeed in an age of online shopping. Known for her impeccable service, many of her customers became friends over the years, where they could always count on finding such designers as Habitat, Tribal, Neon Buddha, London Times, Margaret Winters or Parkhurst, to name a few. Annie’s also carried designer accessories and jewelry. Many of the unique clothing, jewelry and gifts found at the store were works of art.

Throughout Annie’s Ltd’s 41-year run on 95th Street, Casey spent the same amount of time as a highly involved member and past president of the Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce. She was the recipient of the chamber’s woman-owned business of the year award, and co-chaired the chamber’s golf outing for 30 years.

“She was wonderful to all who came to her store,” said Julie Miller, former executive director of the Oak Lawn Chamber. “I enjoyed working with her. I can’t say enough about the wonderful person that she was. We became good friends.”

Casey often lent out her store’s collection and outfitted models for charitable fashion shows. When working with Casey and Casey’s mother, Jeanne Marie, on shows at the Chicago Hilton-Oak Lawn, or chamber functions, Miller would inevitably buy new outfits at Annie’s and wear them home.

“One day, my husband told me, ‘I’ve never seen you look this good in clothes,’” Miller said.

In recent months, when Casey became ill, Miller and five other volunteers kept Annie’s open limited hours so that Casey could continue to have a stream of income. The group of volunteers, many of them loyal customers, eventually grew to 19.

“I met so many kind, caring and interesting people,” Miller said. “That is a testament to who Anne was.”

Casey was a proud graduate of Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School and Saint Xavier University.

In addition to her mother, Casey leaves her husband, John Eggert, and brothers Patrick (Kathleen) Casey, Michael G. (Maureen) Casey, Daniel G. (Mayka Van Acht) Casey and Timothy G. (Amy DiGennaro) Casey. She was a fond and loved aunt of many nieces and nephews, and a dear, loyal and beloved friend of many. Casey was preceded in death by her father, Bernard.

Visitation for Anne Marie Casey will take place from 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 30 and Aug. 31, at Thompson & Kuenster Funeral Home, 5570 West 95th St., Oak Lawn. A funeral mass will follow Friday, Sept. 1, at 9 a.m. from Thompson & Kuenster to St. Gianna Parish-Queen of Martyrs Church, 10233 S. Central Park Ave., Evergreen Park, for a 10 a.m. mass.

In lieu of flowers, send memorials to Medical Missionaries of Mary, Drogheda, County Louth, Ireland. Contact: Sr. Joanne Bierl, Director Mission Development Office, 179 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA 02143-1515. E-mail: [email protected]