Mary Eleanor Carmody

Mary Eleanor Carmody, 88, of Springfield, died at 7:20 a.m. on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at St. John's Hospital. Mary was born September 1, 1923 in Litchfield, IL, but lived in Springfield nearly all of her life. She was the daughter of M. Louis and Mayme McKeon Carmody. She was preceded in death by her parents and by one sister, Constance "Connie" Collins.

She is survived by a sister, L. Jeanne Carmody and a brother, Michael (wife, Patricia) Carmody, both of Springfield. She is also survived by three nieces, Colleen (husband, Doug) Hyde of Oneida, IL, Cathleen (husband, Brian) Gawthorp of Illiopolis, and Kathleen Carmody of Maple Grove, MN; five nephews, Michael (wife, Casey) Collins of Virginia, Kevin (wife, Sue) Collins of Peoria, Sean (wife, Patricia) Carmody of Marshall, MN, Brian (wife, Debra) Carmody of San Diego, CA, and Martin Carmody of Washington, DC; and numerous grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Mary Eleanor was an honor graduate of Ursuline Academy and Springfield Junior College. She received her Bachelors of Arts from the University of Chicago and a Master's in Education from the University of Illinois.

She began her teaching career at LeRoy, IL in 1945, taught at Pawnee High School, and in 1951 started teaching at Springfield High School. She taught there until 1982 when she retired.

Once when called to jury duty, Mary was asked if she knew any of the principals. She answered that she had taught both the prosecutor and the defense attorney. She was excused from jury duty.

Mary was a dedicated teacher and a gentle, kind, generous person. She was a devoted Catholic and gave many hours as a volunteer to her parish. Mary was a member of Brinkerhoff Association and St. Louise de Marillac Guild. She enjoyed playing bridge and solving crossword puzzles.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 14, 2012 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at Christ the King Parish, 1930 Barberry Dr., Springfield with Rev. Msgr. David S. Lantz, celebrant. Burial will follow at St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Carrollton, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to: St. Joseph's Home, 3306 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL 62703, Christ the King Parish, 1930 Barberry Dr., Springfield, IL 62704 or donor's choice.

Please visit butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.

Published in The State Journal-Register on May 13, 2012