Shortly after she started on Love of Quilting with mother Maryanne Fons, researched Mary Fons. The most interesting item I found was this one. Mary Fons is a stage performer with what evidently is great talent and stamina. She also has devastating health issues. Most notably; she has no color due to autoimmune disease. She's quirky for sure and very talented. If you are interested in reading a review of her stage show, here is the link:
http://chicagotheaterbeat.com/tag/mary-fons/
I didn't find anything relating to her death so I hope that's not true But she has serious health issues so it wouldn't surprsie or shock me.