Remember the name Holy Sepulchre Cemetery as we step through these gates. Holy Sepulchre Cemetery is more than just a final resting place. It is a tapestry of lives interwoven with Chicago’s history.
Holy Sepulchre Cemetery was established in 1923. It sits on the former site of the Worth racetrack. The racetrack was demolished in 1911. From 1911 to 1923, the land served as a training ground for the state militia. Stockades were also located here. The first burial at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery took place on July 5, 1923.
Holy Sepulchre Cemetery is one of ten cemeteries clustered near the Mount Greenwood neighborhood. Author John R. Powers even fictionalized this area as “Seven Holy Tombs” in his books. He captured the region’s unique character.
Look around and notice how Holy Sepulchre Cemetery blends into its surroundings. Major roads border it. Commercial and residential zones surround it.
One striking feature within Holy Sepulchre Cemetery is the Mausoleum of the Archangels. Cardinal Bernardin dedicated it in 1993. It showcases life-size statues of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. Each statue stands within a small park-like setting. Private seating areas and marble-lined halls offer peaceful spots for reflection. This “garden crypt” design places burial vaults in the exterior walls. This eliminates the need for interior corridors.
Notice the headstones around you. The newer sections of Holy Sepulchre Cemetery feature flat markers. These “lawn level markers” simplify mowing. Upright markers are permitted in family plots. This requires purchasing multiple gravesites for a larger marker. The older sections display a variety of headstones. They range from typical markers to artistic expressions. Mausoleums also provide above-ground interment options here at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
Holy Sepulchre Cemetery holds the remains of many notable individuals. Two Chicago mayors rest here. They are Frank Corr and Richard J. Daley. Dawn Brancheau is also here. She was a SeaWorld animal trainer. Ralph Metcalfe is interred here. He was a U.S. Congressman and Olympic medalist. Helen Morgan rests here too. She was a singer and actress. John Panozzo is buried here. He was the drummer for Styx.
One grave draws particular attention. It is the grave of Mary Alice Quinn. She is known as “Chicago’s Miracle Child”. Born in 1920, she died at age fourteen. Some visitors report a strong scent of roses near her grave. This is said to occur even in winter. People leave candles and prayer requests at her grave. Many seek her intercession. Some believe Mary Alice Quinn has special powers.
Holy Sepulchre Cemetery serves as a place of remembrance. It connects us to the past. It also offers a space for reflection and peace.