Director of Carmel's Street Scenes show dies

Music and theater helped define Mary K. "Sissy" DePrima's life.

The director of Carmel Catholic High School's popular Street Scenes student show since 1982, DePrima also taught music at St. Joseph School in Libertyville and was a music theater director at the Dancecenter North performing arts school in Libertyville.

DePrima, 67, died at her Libertyville home Monday of ovarian cancer. Her family was at her side.

Born in Chicago, DePrima had lived in Libertyville for 35 years. She was a 1959 graduate of the now-closed Longwood Academy of Our Lady High School in Chicago and a graduate of DePaul University.

She taught music at St. Joseph for 18 years and was particularly proud of directing the kindergarten graduation ceremonies and the annual Christmas programs.

"She just worked so hard on those," longtime friend and Green Oaks resident Tomi O'Reilly said.

She also earned accolades directing the Street Scenes student show, which was part of the larger variety show and fundraiser.

Even while she was ill, friends said, DePrima was looking forward to the next Street Scenes show, scheduled for February 2010.

"She was planning it," O'Reilly said. "That's what she did - she planned. It was something to talk about."

DePrima's survivors include: a sister, Margaret Skrypkun of Chicago; two daughters, actress Marietta DePrima Newbern of Los Angeles and Anne DePrima Haan of Lawrenceville, N.J.; and five grandchildren.

Visitation is scheduled for 3:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 28 at St. Joseph Church, 121 E. Maple Ave., Libertyville.

Mass will be said at 11 a.m. Monday, June 29, at the church. A reception will follow at the church.

Instead of flowers, contributions can be sent to the Mary K. DePrima memorial scholarship at Carmel Catholic High School, 1 Carmel Parkway, Mundelein, Ill., 60060.