Meet-a-Mom, Mary Markou | Hinsdale Area Moms

Meet-a-Mom, Mary Markou

What’s your favorite family activity in the Hinsdale, Western Springs, La Grange, Clarendon Hills Area?
We love doing things outdoors, so some of our favorite activities are hiking and picnicking in Bemis Woods Nature Preserve, as well as biking and exploring at the Morton Arboretum, which is in nearby Lisle, IL. We also make sure to hit up local spots like Oberweis, Hashsacks and Hillgrove Tap in Western Springs and Aurelio’s and Waterlemon in LaGrange.

How many children do you have and what are their age(s)?
I have three kids: Oscar, 5; Max, 3; and Lucy, who was born this April.

How long have you lived in the Hinsdale/WS/La Grange/CH Area? What made you decide to live here?
We moved here in July 2017. My husband and I lived in the city for 14 years and had our first two children in Lincoln Park. We moved shortly after my second was almost a year old. My husband and I both grew up in suburbs – I’m from Cincinnati, Ohio and he’s from Detroit, Michigan – so we always envisioned our family growing up in a suburban town. We didn’t know a ton about the area, but a friend suggested Western Springs, so we came to check out a few houses and loved every one and thought the town was so charming. Since we’ve been here, we’ve grown to love it even more than our initial impression.

Where’s your favorite place to eat and/or shop in the Hinsdale/WS/La Grange/CH Area?
Our favorite places to eat in Western Springs are Vie, Hashstacks and Hillgrove Tap. We also really like Nabuki and Page’s in Hinsdale and Lucca’s and Aurelio’s in LaGrange.
My favorite shopping spots are Vintage Charm and Stockholm Objects (LaGrange & Hinsdale), My Sister Kate (Hinsdale), Waterlemon (LaGrange) and Clever Girl (Western Springs).
Sadly, we haven’t spent a ton of time in Clarendon Hills yet, aside from a Barre3 class that I loved, but look forward to exploring there more in the future.

What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I am the youngest of 5 and my oldest sibling is 17 years older than me. On my family’s side, I have 13 nieces and nephews and 9 are boys. That said, I was not surprised my first two were boys and was convinced my third would be a boy, or multiple boys.
Music is also a huge passion point for me. I can play the piano, guitar, ukulele and played violin while growing up. My husband and I met at a concert (My Morning Jacket @ Northerly Island in 2010) and while my mind can’t often remember where I left things, it strangely retains obscure music history knowledge, specifically about The Beatles and Elvis.

Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?
Being the youngest child, I luckily have four older siblings who have taught me various parenting lessons. I also turn to my mom for advice quite a bit, as well as my friends who are more seasoned in this parenting game. I am fortunate to have many who live in Chicago and have met some other amazing moms in the local area.

Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
I work in the corporate world as SVP, Corporate Communications at Publicis Media – a global media agency network that includes companies such as Starcom, Spark Foundry, Digitas and others. I’ve worked at the same company for almost 16 years and love what I do. I’ve been fortunate to work with all types of people, across various disciplines and travel to places like Paris, London and Dubai. Outside of work, I’m also on the board of the Western Springs Newcomers and Neighbors Club (WSNN).

How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
Being involved and sitting on the WSNN board helped me get to know a number of people in the area rather quickly. Participating in the couples, ladies and kids events really exposed me to a large group of people. Additionally, I have met a lot of wonderful friends and families through my kids’ daycare. I also have friends who live in surrounding neighborhoods, so I have been fortunate to meet people through them as well.

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