Mary J. Green, 86, of Roscoe passed away Sunday, March 3, 2019 with family by her side. Mary was born on December 27, 1932 in Portland, OR, the daughter of Richard John and Margaret Mary (Brown) Cotton. She married William Gilbert Green on May 1, 1954 in Detroit, MI; William preceded her in death on January 13, 1987. Mary graduated from Southeastern High School in Detroit, MI and attended Wayne State University. She attained her C.P.S. (Certified Professional Secretary) rating in 1988. Before moving to Rockford, Mary worked as a secretary at Detroit Edison Co.; Brooks Clinic; St. Andrew’s Methodist Church and Florists’ Transworld Delivery (FTD) in Michigan. Mary worked for the Community Development Department and Planning Division for the City of Rockford for 18 years, retiring in 1996. Mary was an active member of Rockton United Methodist Church where she participated in the Chancel Choir; Lay Leader; Worship Committee Chairman; Handbell Choir; Vice-Chairman and Secretary of Administrative Council; Alternate Lay Delegate to Annual Conference and Certified Lay Speaker. She was Past President and member of IAAP, formerly PSA and Rockford Symphony Orchestra; she sang with Rockford Symphony Chorale from 1984 to present; regular apheresis and blood donor at Northern Illinois Blood Bank; she volunteered at the Peace Store every Friday for more than 3 years; volunteered at WNIU in DeKalb answering the phones during pledge drives and volunteered at Rockford Symphony assisting with bulk mailings. Mary was an avid Detroit Red Wings Fan and Rockford Ice Hogs hockey teams.
Mary is survived by her sons: Steven (Patricia) Green, Gerald Richard Green and Kenneth (Denise) Green; daughter Nancy Carol Rick; brother Richard Henry Cotton; grandchildren Matthew (Diana) Green, Jason (Kara) Green, Leigha and Emily Green. Mary was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
Memorials are suggested to Rockton United Methodist Church and Rockford Symphony Orchestra.
Service to celebrate Mary’s life will be 11:00 am on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at Rockton United Methodist Church 102 W. Chapel Street in Rockton; visitation for Mary will be from 9:00 am until 11:00 am at the church on Saturday. Cremation rites will be accorded after the services. Advantage Funeral Home in Rockford is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be sent to www.advantagefunerals.com
