Resurrection Mary

She is Chicago’s most famous ghost—a beautiful young woman in a white dress who appears along Archer Avenue, asking for rides before vanishing at the gates of Resurrection Cemetery.

The Legend

Since the 1930s, drivers traveling along Archer Avenue near Justice, Illinois have reported picking up a young blonde woman. She wears a white party dress, sometimes appearing wet or disheveled, and asks for a ride. She sits quietly in the car, then either:

• Vanishes from the vehicle while it’s moving
• Asks to be let out at Resurrection Cemetery, then disappears through the gates
• Fades away as the car approaches the cemetery

Who Was Mary?

Several theories exist about Mary’s identity:

Mary Bregovy

One candidate is Mary Bregovy, who died in a car accident in 1934 after a night of dancing at the O’Henry Ballroom. She was buried in Resurrection Cemetery in a white dress and dancing shoes.

Anna “Marija” Norkus

Another theory suggests Anna Norkus, a young Lithuanian girl killed in a 1927 auto accident while returning from the Oh Henry Ballroom.

A Composite

Some researchers believe “Resurrection Mary” represents multiple spirits, or a composite of several young women buried in the cemetery who died tragically.

Notable Encounters

The 1939 Sighting

Jerry Palus met a beautiful blonde woman at the Liberty Grove dance hall. They danced all evening, but she was cold to the touch. When he drove her home, she asked him to stop at Resurrection Cemetery, stepped out, and vanished before his eyes.

The 1976 Gate Incident

A passing motorist reported seeing a young woman pressed against the cemetery gates from the inside, as if trapped. Police found no one there—but discovered the iron bars had been bent apart and bore what appeared to be handprints burned into the metal. The bars were eventually replaced, but people still come to see the spot.

The 1978 Encounter

A cab driver picked up a woman matching Mary’s description. She gave an address, but when they arrived, the backseat was empty—though the meter showed the fare.

The O’Henry Ballroom

Many sightings originate near the Willowbrook Ballroom (formerly O’Henry Ballroom), where Mary supposedly spent her last living hours. Staff have reported seeing her dancing alone after closing, and some claim she appears in photographs taken at events.

Continuing Appearances

Sightings continue to this day. Drivers along Archer Avenue still report:

• A figure in white darting into the road
• A young woman appearing in their rearview mirror
• Cold spots inside vehicles
• A woman who vanishes mid-conversation

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Whether urban legend or genuine haunting, Resurrection Mary has become an indelible part of Chicago folklore.