Mary Claussen
Wood River |
Mary Ellen Claussen, 86, of Wood River, IL, passed away at 8:40 a.m. Fri. Nov. 17, 2017 at Rosewood Care Center in Alton, IL with her family by her side.
She was born Nov. 29, 1930 in East Alton, IL to the late Albert & Rose (Willoughby) Means.
On Oct. 20, 1950, she and Donald N. Claussen were married at St. Matthew’s in Alton. He preceded her in death Dec. 26, 2010.
Mrs. Claussen had been a secretary at Standard Oil, Wood River School District and at St. Joseph’s Hospital Pediatric department. She loved to play pinochle and enjoyed creative writing and music. She and her husband Don owned and operated Don’s Painting and Decorating for 50 years and the two of them were big supporters and benchwarmers for several local sports. She was also Don’s fishing buddy with Don teasing that she often caught the biggest fish. She loved spending time with her family being a dedicated mother and granny.
She is survived by 2 sons: Steve Claussen of East Alton, IL and Paul (Kim) Claussen of Godfrey; 3 daughters: Linda (Greg) Durbin of Nashua, NH, Karen (Gary) Wilson of Bethalto, IL and Mary Ann (Scott) St. John of Golden, CO; 7 grandchildren: David Durbin, Jeff Durbin, Karrie Denney, Charlie Rose, Melissa Denby, Nicholas St. John and Benjamin Claussen; 9 great-grandchildren; and a sister: Jane McLaughlin of Mountain View, MO.
Besides her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Ray Means.
Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sun. Nov. 19, 2017 at Paynic Home for Funerals. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Mon. Nov. 20, 2017 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alton with Fr. John Wykes, OMV as Celebrant. Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.
Memorials may be made to Senior Services Plus, 2603 N. Rodgers, Alton, IL 62002.
Arrangements with online information and guestbook through Paynic Home for Funerals may be found at www.paynicfh.com.
Paynic Home for Funerals
