Mary McFarland
Godfrey |
Mary Diane McFarland, 66, died suddenly at 6:01 p.m, Tuesday, November 30, 2010 in the emergency room at Alton Memorial Hospital. She was born in Aberdeen, SD on June 22, 1944, the only child born to the late Harry & Marion Gail (Stewart) Eisele.
A native of South Dakota, Mary Diane obtained her Masters in Education from South Dakota State University, and thereafter began her lifelong dedication to education. After her graduation she began working as a guidance counselor for the Watertown High School, and remained there until relocating to Jersey County in 1990. She continued as a guidance counselor for Alton High School for many years, retiring in 2008. She tirelessly and quietly encouraged, supported and challenged her students to strive to be the very best that they could be, and was genuinely pleased and took great pride in the multitude of students that she has witnessed become successful and content adults.
She was also a very spirtual and compassionate woman, who left an imprint on everyone that she came in contact with. She didnt just converse casually with friends, she listened and she cared. She was an active member of the First Church of Chist, Scientist, and shared her loved and passion for music, serving as the church musician.
She married David R. McFarland on Dec. 26, 1945 in Redfield, SD., and their nearly 45 year marriage has been spent enjoying their 3 children and 4 grandchildren, as well as their numerous adventures together sharing their life.
In addition to her husband, surviving are her three children & their spouses, Mary Kathryn & Todd Franz of Bingham Lake, Mn., Stuart & Jennifer McFarland of Boca Raton, Fl., and Anne Marie and Keith Smith of Hudson, Ohio; four grandchildren, whom she adored, Ryan & Tayler Franz, and McKenzie and Hudson McFarland.
A memorial service will be conducted at 7 p.m., Friday, December 3, 2010 in the Holt Gallery School of Nations, located on the Principia College campus in Elsah. Patrick McCreary will officiate.
Burial will take place at later date at the Mount Hope Cemetery in Frankfort, South Dakota.
Memorials may be give to the First Church of Christ, Scientist of Jereyville, Il., in care of Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville.
Crawford Funeral Home
