Mary Louise, nee Been, Church, 89, of Belleville, IL; formerly of Marissa, IL; born August 13, 1923 in Marissa, IL; passed away on Saturday, February 16, 2013 at St. Paul’s Home in Belleville, IL.
Mrs. Church was a homemaker. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of both Marissa and Fairview Heights, IL. Mary loved to sing and was well known for lending her voice for occasions such as wedding and funerals. She was an avid gardener and spent many loving hours tending to her flowers.
She was preceded in death by her parents Everett and Agnes, nee Blank, Been. 5 brothers – Charles Been; James Been; Frank Been; Rolland Been; Bill Been. 5 sisters – Lorene Morse; Dorothy McGill; Florence Incze; Kathryn Gregory; Patsy Hubbard.
She is survived by her husband Joe Church whom she married on March 17, 1945 at Scott Air Force Base. Her son David (Pati) Church of Swansea, IL. 2 grandsons – David (Jamie) Church of O’Fallon, IL; Jason (Demeka) Church of Franklin, TN. Her great grandchildren – Jakob, Camden, Hudson. 1 brother – Ray (Ruth) Been of Mulvane, KS.
The Church Family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at St. Paul’s Nursing Home for the excellent care Mary received during her stay there.
Memorials may be made to Passages Hospice or the American Alzheimer’s Association.
Visitation: Friends may call at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, Illinois on Saturday, February 23, 2013 from 10:00am to 12:00noon.
Funeral: Services will be held at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, Illinois on Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 12:00noon with Rev. Jim Wiens officiating.
Interment: Burial will be held in Marissa Township Cemetery.
Joe, David and Patti – My thoughts, love and prayers are with you as you mourn the passing of Mary. Joe, you and Mary were such an inspiration to me as I grew up! You have both been a big part of my spiritual journey, and I admire and respect you both. My favorite memory of Mary was one Christmas when she was the girls’ missionary leader. She invited us to your house – the big one on Main Street – which was perfectly decorated. She served us a beautiful meal served on a linen tablecloth with linen napkins on your best china! I was so impressed!! Years later, as Kristen’s scout leader, I did the same thing. I only hope those girls have the same memory as I do! I love you and will pray for comfort. Love, Sherri
Posted by: Sherri and Ken Wildt – FL Feb 18, 2013
My sympathy to the Church family. Mrs. Church was a kind, sweet, neighbor to me when I was a little girl.
Posted by: Lindy (Weshinskey) Cearnal – Nashville, IL – Former neighbor Feb 19, 2013
Joe, David & Pati,
Mary was very special to me as are the rest of you. She was a big wonderful part of my childhood memories growing up in Marissa in the late 60s and the 70s. I can’t imagine the Baptist church without her singing voice and her vibrant nature. The whole Been/McGill/Gregory/Church clan has a multi-generation legacy for centuries in addition the impact on my life. Even as I visited her in the nursing on subsequent visits back to the Marissa area, I was blessed being in her and Joe’s presence. She was so delightful even amidst her many afflictions. Though we rejoice in her newfound eternal healing in heavenly bliss, her now absence here on earth is deeply felt!!! Prayers uplifted on your behalf!
Posted by: Curtis Paul Lawson – Spring, TX Feb 19, 2013
David: So sorry for the loseof your Mom. Know that you are in my prayers.Shelby Hamilton
Posted by: Shelby Hamilton – Swansea, IL – Friend of son Feb 20, 2013
Joe and family,
My sincere condolences to you and your family on Mary’s passing. I had the pleasure of meeting Mary when she came to Bohannon Care Center. She was a very classy lady and loved it when we would stop by and talk to her.
Joe, I truly enjoyed our conversations we would have daily when you came to see Mary. I sure missed you and Mary when she left and moved to St. Paul’s.
May you hold all the happy and cherished memories of Mary in you heart. Take care and God bless you all.
Fran Luebbers,
Fayetteville, IL
Posted by: Fran Luebbers – Fayetteville, IL – friend Feb 20, 2013