Markey, Mary Lou
d. June 28, 2010
Mary Lou Markey, age 73, of Cantrall, passed away on Sunday, June 27, 2010 at her home, surrounded by her family.
Mary Lou was born in Springfield, Illinois, the daughter of James and Edith Freeman Markey on December 4, 1936. She was preceded in death by her parents; her nephews, James V. Olson and Bradley A. Olson; and her great niece Savannah Olson.
Mary Lou graduated from Athens High School in 1954 and graduated from Browns Business College. She began employment at the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (FSA- known then as the ASCS Office-Agricultural Stabilization Conservation Service) as a program assistant in the federal building in downtown Springfield. She held various positions during her career with FSA such as the Secretary to the State Executive Director, Bill O’Daniel and was the Chief Price Support Program Specialist, the position she retired from in 1995 after having worked 41 years with the agency. Mary Lou was dedicated to her career with FSA and spent long hours working on difficult situations as they arose across the state. In June of 1991 as the Chief Price Support Specialist she led the Illinois Price Support Advisory Group to Washington, DC to receive the ASCS Administrators Award : for Distinguished Group Achievement : for outstanding service to the farmers of Illinois.
Mary Lou was a lifelong resident of Cantrall and served as the first woman Mayor from 1993 until her death. During her tenor as mayor she presided over many Burgoo Festivals.
Mary Lou also served as the medical transcriptionist for Vine Street Clinic for over 30 years.
Mary Lou had a very rich family life. She helped raise her nieces and nephews and was very much a second mother to them and a grandmother to their children. She was a wonderful cook and an avid reader. She was a lover of all animals, especially cats and dogs. She leaves behind her beloved pet cocker, Gracie.
Mary Lou is survived by her sister Marlene (Jerry) Olson of Cantrall; her nephews, Lance (Amy) Olson of Downers Grove and Eric (Jerin) Olson of Cantrall; her nieces Tricia (Fred) Schlosser, Rachel (Kevin) Jones of Springfield and Kristina Olson of Cantrall; her great nieces and nephews, Jasmin Olson, Sam Schlosser, Nick Schlosser, Lilly Olson, Noah Jones, and Mia Jones.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 5 until 8:00 PM at Mott & Henning Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday at 10:00 AM at St. John Vianney Parish in Sherman.
Msgr. Carl Kemme officiating.
Cremation rites will be accorded. Burial of cremains will be held at Calvary Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials contributions can be made to Springfield Animal Protective League and St. Judes Childrens Hospital.
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Posted June 29th, 2010 at 3:08 pm
I am very sorry to hear that Mary Lou has passed away. She was a very close friend of my Grandmother’s (Peggy) and I know that she was of great comfort to her when she was ill. I know that she and my Grandmother made many memories together and my mother and I also appreciated her friendship very much. She will be missed, and I pray for peace for her family. God bless you.
Posted June 29th, 2010 at 9:51 pm
Dear Family of Mary Lou Markey, I was so sorry to read of Mary Lou’s passing. She loved her family so much and was deeply devoted to all of you. I know you will miss her terribly. If you need any information about contacting the Office of Personnel Management to check on any benefits that may be due because of Mary Lou’s demise, I can help you. I am the National Active and Retired Federal Employees’ Association (NARFE) Service Officer for the Springfield Chapter of which Mary Lou was a member. In the past, Mary Lou regularly attended meetings until her attention was needed elsewhere. You may reach me on my home phone (217) 789-0373 or cell phone (217) 415-1380. Please know my thoughts and prayers, and those of our Chapter members, are with all of you.
Posted June 29th, 2010 at 9:58 pm
I was so sorry to read of Mary Lou’s passing. She was devoted to all of you and I’m sure you will miss her very much. As the Service Officer for the Springfield Chapter of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Association, of which May Lou was a member, I can help you if you need information about contacting the Office of Personnel Management in Washington, D.C. about any benefits that may be available. You can reach me on my home phone at (217) 789-0373 or on my cell phone at (217) 415-1380. If I am away from the phone, please leave a message and I will return your call. Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of someone so dear to you all.