Mary Dolene Tookey

Mary was born July 15, 1929 in Lincoln Nebraska, the daughter of Richard C. & Mary B. Grice Webber. She graduated from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln campus. It was there she met her husband, Harvey,and they were a devoted couple until his passing on December 14, 2012. They were wed on Christmas day in 1950.

Unlike many mothers of her generation, when her children went to school, she went back herself. After obtaining her Master's degree in English from Bradley University in 1965, she worked as a professor of English at Eureka College in Eureka, IL until retiring in 1991 with Professor Emerita status. She passed on her love for literature to both her students and her children. She has published professionally, and was especially proud of her book of poetry called A Will Windward. Over the years, she was active in church choir, contributing in later years her skill as a lyricist for some of the church hymns composed by her husband. She was active at West Bluff Christian Church volunteering in a myriad of ways, and she also tutored underprivileged children at Common Place. Mary had a passion for wildflowers with numerous flower beds around the yard.

She is survived by her two sons; Ralph of Montclair, NJ, and.Keith (Gerry) of Washington, IL; two daughters; Ellen (Gerald) Wallen of Madison, WI, Linda (Chris Hall) Tookey of Centennial, CO; six grandchildren, Adrienne Tookey,Christopher Tookey, Benjamin Hall, Matthew Hall, Jonathan Tookey, and Daniel Tookey. Her husband of 61 years, Harvey L. Tookey predeceased her by 57 days.She will be remembered as a loving mother, devoted wife, and doting Grandmother.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Eureka College.

Funeral arrangements are provided through Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton. Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 24, 2013 from 1-3 p.m. at Lutheran Hillside Village on Galena Road. She and her husband of 61 years will be jointly interned at the Mount Hawley Cemetery.

Please visit Mary's story at www.woolsey-wilton.com.