Mary Margaret Kallner, 91, of Peoria, formerly of Cedar Point, passed away peacefully at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 28, 2010, at Rosewood Care Center in Peoria.
She was born in Marseilles on September 8, 1918, a daughter of William T. and Margurite (O’Conner) Graham. She married Henry Kallner on October 25, 1955 in LaSalle. He preceded her in death on February 13, 1991 in Spring Valley. She was also preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Joyce Mary Daugherty-Skomal; nine brothers; and one sister.
Mary is survived by her brother, Lawrence “Hank” (Argelia “Artie”) Graham of Peru; sister-in-law, Irene Graham of Grand Ridge; brother-in-law, Stanley Spayer of De Pue; grandchildren, Mike (Chris) Daugherty of Decatur, Jerry (Tina) Daugherty of Peoria, Jackie (Cliff) Pilon of Normal and Paul (Jill) Daugherty of Peoria; son-in-law, Joseph Skomal of Peoria; and several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
She was formerly an assembler at Westclox in LaSalle-Peru. She later retired, as a Certified Nursing Assistant, from Spring Valley Nursing Home.
Mary was a parishioner at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Granville and resided, with her husband, in Cedar Point for over thirty years. She also attended Holy Family Catholic Church in Peoria.
She enjoyed reading, Seek & Find puzzles and catching-up on the latest “Globe” and “National Inquirer”. She thought everything was “clutter”, except for the Kleenex she collected in her sleeve and she enjoyed riding the motorcycle and bow hunting with her husband.
Mary once christened a LST (Landing Ship, Tank) boat, during World War II, at the Marseilles Ship Yard. LSTs were naval vessels created during World War II to support amphibious operations by carrying significant quantities of vehicles, cargo and landing troops directly onto an unimproved shore.
She loved spending her time around her family and friends, helping others and teaching people how to clean. She was very diligent at sending birthday cards to all of her friends and family, often with money and a stick of gum.
Mary never slowed down, which kept her spry. Her perseverance and devotion to prayer, her good humor and good spirits are what her family is most proud of. She will be remembered for her sharp wit, for making everyone laugh, for her love of order and cleanliness and for her LOVE of sweets and treats. She was “Grandma Twinkie”.
A memorial Mass will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 14, 2010, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 311 Hennepin Street, in Granville, with Fr. Patrick DeMeulemeester as celebrant. Visitation will be one-hour prior to services at the church. Interment will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Granville.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mary’s memory to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Granville.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Clary Funeral Home in Peoria.
