Mary Beth Kiefner

Mary Beth Kiefner, 50, of Germantown Hills, passed away Wednesday, September 24, 2014 at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria. She was born December 22, 1963 in Roanoke to Joseph and Toni Amigoni. She married Ron Kiefner on September 12, 1987 in Roanoke. He survives. Also surviving are her children twins Blake and Brittany Kiefner of Germantown Hills; her sister Susan (Ed) Schultz of Jacksonville, Fla.; brother Nick Amigoni of Chicago; and brother Mike (Kerry) of Leawood, Kan. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Carol Malcome of Metamora, Connie (Mike) Davis of East Peoria; four brothers-in-law, Larry, Jerry (Joni), Randy and Scott, all of Metamora and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and father-in-law Syril R. "Ray" Kiefner. Mary Beth attended Illinois Central College and received a bachelor?s in nursing from Sangamon State University, Springfield. She received a master?s degree in nursing from the University of Illinois-Chicago. She worked as a nurse at OSF Saint Francis until 1990 when she was named Staff Development Coordinator. She worked as a home health nurse for a year then became an assistant professor in the nursing program at Illinois Central College. She worked at ICC from 1997 to 2007 promoted to the position of Nursing Program Director. She then became an assistant professor at OSF College of Nursing until 2009, and then was named Patient Care Manager of the Oncology floor at OSF. She received several professional awards including the ICC Distinguished Alumnus Award, the 2011 Nursing Excellence Transformational Leadership Award, and the Sister Aeterna OSF Mission Integration Award in 2012. Mary Beth?s giving to others went beyond the hospital walls by building numerous personal relationships and making close friends. She played Bunco once a month with a close group and was very active in volunteering. Mary Beth took time out of her life to ensure the safety, comfort, and well-being of others before herself. Her family and friends would tell you that she was one of the kindest people they had the pleasure of meeting and she would freely give her heart to anyone in need. She loved to laugh and loved to spread joy. Mary Beth?s strength and courage in her recent battle was a testament of her strong faith and belief. She was a member of St. Mary?s of Lourdes Church and was a lector and Eucharist minister. She volunteered there as well as with the American Red Cross, Emergency 116 ambulance board, and several activities with her children including coaching and mission work. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, September 29, 2014 at St. Mary of Lourdes Catholic Church with Father Neri Greskoviak officiating. Visitation will be Sunday, September 28, 2014 from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Mason Funeral Home Germantown Hills Chapel. Burial will be in St. Mary of Lourdes Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Illinois Cancer Care, 8940 North Wood Sage Road, Peoria, IL 61615. Mason Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.