Mary Katherine (Droege) Crawford

Our beloved mother, Mary Katherine (Droege) Crawford, 78, of Germantown Hills, IL, passed away peacefully at 7:30 am on Friday, April 11, 2025, at home, surrounded by her loving family and the joy of Christmas music.

Mary was born September 4, 1946, in Springfield, Illinois,  the daughter of Harry and Eileen (Turner) Droege. Mary married Michael J Crawford on August 16, 1975, he survives.  Mary was the heart and home of her children, Mark (Janet) Manzi, Mary Crawford (Douglas Searles), Matthew (Jennifer) Crawford, Michelle (Jesse) Cox, Monica Crawford (Bo Scott), and Megan Crawford, who made up the entirety of her world.

Survived by grandchildren, Mark (Kallie), Austin, Paige, Peyton, Gabrielle, Drake, Alex, Madisson, Gracie, Caleb, Andrew, Makayla, and Justin and great-grandchildren, Henry and Noah.  Mary is also survived by siblings, Jeanne Droege (sister-in-law), John (Sue) Droege, Betty Droege (sister-in-law), Eileen (Harry) Lipham, April (Stan) Adams, and Fran (Carl) Cox.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Robert and Jan Droege, and grandchildren, Alexis, Katherine, Nicolas, and Annastasia.

Mary attended Academy of Our Lady in Peoria, and later pursued her studies to become a Surgical Technician at OSF.  She also worked for years in the Maternity Ward at Proctor Hospital.  Mary concluded her remarkable career by dedicating herself to the care of others at Assisted Living/Memory Care at Snyder Village in Metamora, leaving a lasting testament to her compassion, dedication, and inspirational spirit.

Mary was a kind and gentle soul, radiating warmth and compassion. Everyone who knew Mary marveled at her infectious enthusiasm for celebrating the Christmas Season, a joy she embodied all year round. She found solace in shopping for antiques, nurturing her garden, crocheting beautiful blankets, and cherishing time with her loved ones.

She watches over us, beaming with pride at the family legacy she will forever treasure, as much as we will always treasure her. May God wrap her in his loving arms as she rests in eternal peace.

Friends and family are warmly invited to celebrate the life of Mary, as they gather to bid a final farewell. Visitation will be held on Monday April 21, 2025 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Mason Funeral Home, 219 East Partridge Street in Metamora, IL, where Recitation of the Rosary will take place at 3:30 pm, filling the space with love and reflection. A brief visitation will also occur on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 from 8:30 am until 9:15 am at Mason Funeral Home. The Funeral Mass, a joyous celebration of Mary's life, will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 10:00 am at St. Mary of Lourdes Catholic Church, 424 Lourdes Road in Germantown Hills.  Graveside services will immediately follow at St. Mary of Lourdes Catholic Cemetery, accompanied by a luncheon at the church hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Alzheimer's Association Central Illinois Chapter, 614 West Glen Avenue, Peoria, IL or to the Mary Crawford Adopt-A-Family for Christmas Fund, c/o Heartland Bank & Trust Company, 105 North Menard Street, Metamora, IL 61548. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

Alzheimer's Association
614 West Glen Avenue, Peoria IL 61614
Web: http://www.alz.org

Mary Crawford Adopt-A-Family for Christmas Fund
c/o Heartland Bank & Trust Company, 105 North Menard Street, Metamora IL 61548