Mary Ann Quigley Maxey, 91, of Galesburg, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, at Courtyard Estates in Knoxville, Illinois.
She was born Nov. 5, 1934, in Galesburg, the daughter of J. Philip Quigley and Mary Catherine (O’Connor) Quigley.
Mary Ann graduated from Corpus Christi High School and attended Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa. She later earned her degree in elementary education from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in Terre Haute, Indiana, and her lifelong love of music later led her to pursue graduate studies in the field.
On Oct. 27, 1956, she married George Robert Maxey at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Galesburg. Together they raised their three children — George Philip, Jane, and Ann — while living in Monmouth and Peoria, Illinois; Indianapolis, Indiana; Rochester, Minnesota; and Galesburg, Illinois.
Mary Ann devoted many years to teaching at Costa Catholic School. She was a faithful and active member of Immaculate Heart of Mary and Corpus Christi Catholic Churches in Galesburg. An accomplished pianist, she especially loved playing for her family. Mary Ann and George also raised AKC Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers for more than 30 years, a shared passion that brought them great joy. Together, they also raised Standardbred racehorses.
Mary Ann will be remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, and neighbor. She was deeply proud of her family and lived her life guided by strong faith, firm values, and a tireless work ethic. Her love, quiet strength, and steadfast presence will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her children, George Philip (Virginia “Ginger” Anne) Maxey of Waterloo, Illinois; Jane (Peter) Officer of Hanover, New Hampshire; and Ann Gallagher (Bradley) Hix of Galesburg, Illinois; and by her sister, Jane Quigley Hense of Peoria, Illinois. She is also survived by her seven beloved grandchildren, Phillip (Abby) Officer, Daniel (Lindsey) Officer, John (Laura) Officer, Peter (Krista) Officer, Emily (Tyler) Murphy, Claire (Colin) Root, and Tiffany Maxey; and 10 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, George Robert Maxey; her parents; and her sister, Virginia Noonan.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory in Galesburg, with the rosary prayed immediately following the visitation. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, with Fr. Jeffrey Stirniman as celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made to Birthright International or the Alzheimer’s Association. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
May perpetual light shine upon her.
