After an extraordinary 50-year career in real estate, Mary Ann Dybala is bidding farewell to an industry she helped shape.
At 83, Dybala is retiring from her role at In Realty, where she spent five decades building a reputation as a dedicated, knowledgeable, and deeply compassionate Realtor. Her unwavering commitment to her clients and her community has left a phenomenal legacy—one marked by integrity, excellence and an enduring passion for helping people find not just houses, but homes.
“It makes me happy to make others happy, and that’s what this business is all about,” said Dybala, of Burr Ridge.
Having spent most of her life in Chicago, Dybala attended St. Daniel the Prophet Elementary School and Kelly High School. She worked a variety of jobs—including selling Tupperware—before earning her real estate license and marrying the love of her life, Raymond.
The couple purchased Raymond’s grandparents’ home in Chicago, where they raised their two children, Kimberly and Philip.
Dybala launched her successful career at In Realty, 6165 S. Archer Ave., where she worked with both residential and commercial properties.
“People love what I’m doing just as much as I love doing it,” she said.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dybala has always been dedicated to community service. She was a member and eventual president of the Garfield Ridge Chamber of Commerce, an active member of St. Daniel the Prophet Church in Chicago, and a longtime member—and former president—of the Southwest Real Estate Board. Her civic engagement extended to helping senior citizens, launching a local business directory and establishing the now-annual Snack with Santa event on Chicago’s Southwest Side.
This past December, the 41st Snack with Santa was held at Mayfield Banquet Hall, 6072 S. Archer Ave. The event, organized in partnership with the Midway Chamber of Commerce and its president, Mary Ellen Brown, drew hundreds of families.
“It’s so wonderful to see everyone come together year after year and to watch the neighborhood children grow up,” Dybala said, reflecting on how the event was inspired by a cherished childhood memory from her time growing up in Brighton Park.
Although she moved to Burr Ridge in 1995, Dybala remains closely connected to Chicago’s South Side, where helping families find homes remains her passion.
“I really enjoy socializing, and I love working with people and hearing their stories,” she said. “Some of the memories will stick with me forever. Once, I helped a family find an apartment—they were struggling financially. I brought them my children’s old bedding, and I’ve never seen kids so excited. It really makes me happy to help others.”
Dybala’s husband passed away on St. Patrick’s Day in 2023.
“I still miss him so much every day,” she said.
As she steps into retirement, Dybala says she’s not slowing down completely. She looks forward to spending more time with her family, volunteering, and continuing to be a part of the community she holds so dearly.
“I’ve had a blessed life,” she said. “And if I’ve made even a small difference in someone’s journey, then I’ve done what I was meant to do.”
Dybala looks forward to cherishing more time with her children and two beloved grandchildren, embracing the simple joys of family in her well-earned retirement.
Her last day at In Realty will be April 30.