Mary A. Severns

Mary Ann Severns, 84, of Oquawka, formerly of Galesburg, passed away at 6:25 a.m. Friday, December 25, 2020 at Monmouth Nursing Home, Monmouth. Mary was born February 17, 1936 in Galesburg, the daughter of Walter F. and Anna Gladys (Deane) Shane.  She married David Ralph Severns on August 16, 1958 in Galesburg.  Mary is survived by her husband of 62 years, Dave; one son, James (Bobbie) Severns of Keithsburg; three daughters, Connie (Bob) Johnson-Esp of Knoxville, Teresa (Kevin) Mullen of Lakeland, FL, and Leslie Collopy of Galesburg; one brother, Daniel L. (Idelle) Shane of Galesburg; twenty grandchildren; and thirty great grandchildren.  Along with her parents, Mary was preceded in death by two sons, Larry and David, Jr.; one brother, Howard Shane; and two sisters, Betty Jo Hunt and Evelyn Bahl. Mary was never afraid of hard work.  She worked at O.T. Johnson’s, H.O. Canfield, Helen and Mead’s, Hornsby’s, the Galesburg Office of the Peoria Journal Star, and retired from Joe the Tailor and Cleaner.  She was a member of the United Textile Workers of America, Local 432 as well as a life member of the Knoxville AMVETS Post #8.  Mary was a devoted member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, being a member of the Altar and Rosary Society as well as being active in St. Vincent DePaul.  When her sons were young, Mary volunteered as a Boy Scouts Den Mother for several years.  She also enjoyed volunteering at OSF St. Mary Medical Center and for hospice.  Mary and Dave performed many plays as PTA members at Weston Elementary School in Galesburg.  Mary served as an election judge for many years. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg.  The rosary will be prayed at 8 p.m.  Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Thursday, December 31, 2020 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Father Lee Brokaw will officiate.  Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, social distancing, face masks, and limited occupancy will be enforced.  Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Galesburg.  A celebration of life will be held at a later date when COVID restrictions are lifted.  Memorials may be made to the Kidney Foundation or Beacon of Hope Hospice.