Mary K. McConoughey, 89, of Galesburg, died peacefully in her sleep March 22 at The Kensington.
Born Mary Kathryn Neagle on March 20, 1928, in Galesburg, she was the oldest child of Richard J. and Mary Lucile Locklin Neagle. Mary attended St. Joseph Academy in Galesburg, St. Clara Academy, a boarding school in Sinsinawa, WI, and Knox College. Before beginning a long career in real estate with Tucker Swanson, Mary worked at the former Stuart Neagle and West law offices in Galesburg. She received several sales awards during her distinguished years in real estate.
She married Joseph J. McConoughey on March 10, 1981. He preceded her in death on April 4, 2007. Mary was a member of the Galesburg Woman’s Club, the Corpus Christi and St. Patrick’s Altar and Rosary societies, and the Epsilon Chapter of Delta Delta Delta sorority. She enjoyed playing bridge and cribbage and always looked forward to spending many winters on South Padre Island, TX. She cherished her Catholic faith, her Irish heritage, and the memories created with her family and friends.
Mary is survived by her five children: Mary Ann (Charles) Stewart of Galesburg; Susan (Gene) Zolezzi of Downers Grove, IL; Michael Sirois of Galesburg; Sheila (Tom) Barrett of East Galesburg; and R. J. (Jessica) Sirois of Chicago. She is also survived by step daughter Judy (Gerry) Salzman, of Mundelein, IL, eight grandchildren: Tony Neagus, Sean Neagus, J. B. Barrett, Katy Morrison, Courtney Olsen, Michael Zolezzi, David Zolezzi, and Luci Sirois; two step grandchildren: Adam Salzman and Amanda Zimmerman; four great grandchildren: Rosalind Flater, Anastasia Neagus, Barrett Olsen, and Mia Olsen; and five step great grandchildren: Alivia, Joslyn, Crissy, Owen, and Jack.
She is also survived by her sisters Nancy Neagle of Bettendorf, IA, and Jane (Lynn) Dick of Parkland, FL; one cousin, Peg Ludwig of Sheboygan, WI; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband Joe, Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Dick Neagle, sister Ann Blough, sister-in-law Mary K. Neagle, brother-in-law Dick Blough, and her niece Kathy Neagle-Hanley.
Mary was a loving caregiver to many in their final years, especially her Aunt Alice and Uncle Bud, her mother-in-law Genevieve, her mother Lucile, her cousin Joan, and her husband Joe. Her level of care and devotion to each was rooted in selflessness and love.
Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. on March 27 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Galesburg. The Reverend William T. Miller will officiate. Visitation will precede the funeral mass from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. The rosary will be prayed at 10 a.m. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to St. Patrick’s Parish and the Bukoba Diocese (in c/o Father Deus-Dedit Byabato). Online remembrances and condolences may be expressed at www.watsonthomas.com.
