Markey, Mary Lou

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.