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Celebration of Life Services
Visitation: 4-7 p.m. Friday, January 3, and 9-10 a.m. Saturday, January 4, at Red Brush Christian Church
Funeral Ceremony: 10 a.m. Saturday, January 4, at Red Brush Christian Church
Graveside Ceremony and Interment: Clay City Cemetery
Our beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Mary E. Patridge was surrounded by her family when she passed on December 31, 2024.
She was born on September 11, 1948 and raised in Hord, IL. Mary was the daughter of Keith and Ruth Porter, and younger sister to Bob.
Mary was introduced to Dan at a picnic by his Grandma Ginny. Later that year, on a trip to the Illinois State Fair, they ran into one other after being separated from their friends, spent the rest of the day together, and continued their courtship throughout the summer. According to Dan, they broke up when school started due to the high school rivalry between Louisville and Clay City. Both attended Olney Central College, where they rekindled, and were engaged within the year. Dan and Mary were married for over 56 years and had three children: Jennifer, Danielle, and Keith.
Mary dedicated 47 years of her life to education, where she impacted the lives of many Clay City first graders. She was a brilliant friend and mentor to her fellow teachers. Mary shared her love of books with many students and her grandkids. She spent infinite hours reading with her family. After her retirement, Mary donated many boxes of books and would take any opportunity to return to the classroom to read.
She had a knack for making people feel welcome, whether in the classroom, at church, or amongst friends. Through countless hours spent volunteering at the church and hundreds of gifted buckets of “party mix,” Mary continuously proved her commitment to her community. She served as a church pianist for decades. She always had a hefty bunch of fresh produce from her garden to share with her friends and family. And she gave away too many jars of homemade jelly to count.
Mary loved to spend time in her kitchen, usually slinging flour on the floor, cabinets, and herself. As she would say, “doesn’t matter as long as it tastes good.” She often spent the days leading up to family visits preparing loads of coffee cakes, chocolate pies, and homemade noodles. Each recipe was seasoned with love as she deemed exact measurements unnecessary. Mary never ran short on quantities because she knew a double batch was always better than a single, regardless of the available refrigerator space.
She was “the boss” in our family. Mary kept us all running on time, secretly turning up clocks and fibbing on appointment times when necessary. We usually struggled to keep up with her, but would eventually make it “off like a herd of turtles.” Without her, many of us may never be on time again.
Mary devoted herself to her kids and grandchildren. She was our biggest supporter, especially at ballgames – often arriving before the athletes. Mary never missed a game, but watched virtually or listened to radio broadcasts, even during her hospital stays.
She fought cancer for four years, eleven months, and twenty-one days. Mary would never say she “lost” her battle because that isn’t the truth. She endured countless tests, blood draws, helicopter rides, and too many chemo treatments to count. Her husband, “Danny,” as she referred to him, remained her rock throughout her entire cancer journey. He acted as her personal chauffeur, coach, cheerleader, nurse, chef, and waiter. They closed each night with a goodnight kiss regardless of the chaos that transpired that day.
As an avid member of Red Brush Christian Church, Mary drew strength from watching virtual church services, reading her bible, and meeting with her Connect Group. The hundreds of kind posts and comments on Miracles for Mary provided her with comfort and encouragement during the toughest of days. She never complained, she trusted the Lord and her beloved oncologist. Mary was determined to enjoy her time with her family and friends. She showed incredible strength and resilience, but that is not what we want her to be remembered for; instead, she should be remembered for her love of family, faith, and her endless wit and grit. Mary will be deeply missed and always remembered.
We know that she is dancing in the sky with our Heavenly Father. Mary was preceded in joining the Lord by her parents Keith and Ruth, brother Bob and niece Rita Porter. She is survived by her husband, Dan; their children, Jennifer (Kurt), Danielle (Greg), Keith (Elizabeth); their eleven grandchildren, Cydne, Emma, Kaden, Palmer, Garrett, Lizzie, Jack, Madox, Ava, Beatrice, and Halle; and several nieces and nephews.
Celebration of Life services will begin with a visitation held at Red Brush Christian Church (Louisville, IL) on Friday evening, January 3, from 4 until 7 p.m. and Saturday morning, January 4, from 9 until 10 a.m. Funeral services will be held at Red Brush Christian Church on Saturday, January 4, at 10 a.m., with graveside services following at Clay City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Clay County Cancer Support Group (via check or venmo @danpatridge) or Red Brush Church NEXT Building Campaign (via check or Red Brush-Donations) in Mary’s honor.
Arrangements are by Frank & Bright Funeral Home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com
Mar 8, 1942 - Dec 31, 2024
Sep 11, 1948 - Dec 31, 2024
Jan 14, 1944 - Dec 27, 2024
Aug 20, 1965 - Dec 27, 2024
Aug 29, 1936 - Dec 21, 2024
Miss Mary was a very special lady. Was lucky to have her as a teacher but most of all a caring friend. She will forever be with us...Sending prayers and hugs to all the family and friends...hugs
We are sorry to hear of Mary's passing. She was such a a sweet lady and always had a kind word and smile for you. Prayers of comfort for you and all your family and friends.
To Mary’s Family, we are heartbroken for her family. She put up one heck of fight. She loved her family to infinity and beyond. I witnessed time after time of when a student that was having difficulty with math, her sheer joy for student when they grasped a new method. She would almost have a party. She loved her “kids” at home and at school. She will never be gone. I have a few pics of us at school working together. We had a lot of heart to heart talks. Thank you Mary for all you advice you would give me. Tom and I valued our friendship with you and DP. Fly high sweet friend, you have earned those wings with grace. Sending love to Dan, Jennifer, Danielle, Keith and all their families.
So so sorry. Praying for Danny and family. Great teacher and one special lady. She will certainly be missed by so many. How she endured all the treatments is amazing. Mine are bad . I can’t imagine all she went through. Rip
We are so sorry for your loss, she was a sweet lady and a fighter. You have our sympathy and prayers.
Love and Prayers to Dan and all the kids and families. Mary was such a sweet lady. I know you will miss her so much and will feel the void of her absence for many months to come. Cherish all the sweet memories you have and hold her in your heart until you meet again!!!! I’m thinking of you 🙏🙏
May the warmth of memories and blessings that Mary provided during her beautiful life comfort your family now during this difficult time and in the days ahead.
Mary was my first grade teacher and her husband was my coach throughout school, she was a very very sweet lady and will be missed by many, she was a great influence on a lot of her students, I will be thinking of her family during this time ((hugs))
Danica and I were saddened to hear about Mary's passing. Mary was such a positive, friendly person to us both as we came to Clay City. She took Danica under her wing when she helped at school and she and DP made us both feel welcomed. She was a true educator and wonderful person. She didn't lose any fight. God was ready and gained a angel. RIP Mary. DP and the entire family, prayers for all of you.
So sorry for your loss. Marty was a great teacher to my children and she cared for her students. May God wrap you all close in the many days ahead and give you peace and strength
What an incredible woman that we had the honor and blessing of knowing. A life that was lived to the fullest, loving and serving her family, friends and more children than one can even count. The whole Patridge family is in my thoughts and prayers. Love you all.
Mary was one of the first people to welcome us to church at the Clay City Christian Church. She was a special lady and will be missed.
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Danny and family, I'm very sorry for your loss, sending thoughts and prayers.
My old friend of 70+ years I am going to miss you so much! Your almost 5 yr. battle against cancer was just a part of your journey! You had a wonder supportive family you and Dan created-a great career as a teacher-and unwavering faith in God. My birthday you wrote how you cherished our friendship-and I cherished all the visits and lunch outings-especially that last visit which I will never forget. I know you are now rejoicing. Prayers of comfort for Dan and the family who were all so caring and supportive.
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers to all the family.
So sorry for your loss. May your memories remind you of her wonderful life. Hugs and prayers for the family.
My thoughts and prayers are certainly with the family at this difficult time. Mary was such a sweet lady ——always enjoyed talking with her — and catching up on news about her children and grandchildren.
Dan, Keith & Elizabeth and family, Our hearts are broken for you that you will be left for a time without the presence of Mary in your lives. But joyous in knowing that you will be reunited one day again. With prayers and love.
Sorry for your loss. She sure put a good fight and always had a smile when she was out. Thinking of you and the family.
My deepest sympathies! Mary was a beautiful lady with a heart of gold 💛. She loved her family, big…her kids and grandchildren were her pride and joy.
I'll cherish our many conversations always! I love you Mary♥️ I'll see you on the other side♥️
We love and miss you Mary! Praying for Danny and family.
We just can’t imagine our lives without Mary being here. Love & hugs❣️
Dan and family so so sorry for your loss. God be with you guys through this tough time.
I consider Mary one of the most dedicated teachers I have known . . her commitment to her students as well as her family certainly did not go unnoticed. Remembering your family in prayer.
Sympathy is extended to The Family , Friends , and Community. An Outstanding Lady has passed.
Your loving, caring legacy lives on in our family. Keith reflects that every day as a parent, husband, nephew and friend to those he lives. You will forever be memorilised as they live out their lived and missed each day as they do. So much love and prayers for comfort!
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. WE WILL BE THINKING OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN THE DAYS AHEAD.
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]
