Mary Joan (Cotton) Stone

Mary Joan Stone, 78, of Germantown Hills, IL, passed away at 12:15 pm, on Friday, February 17, 2023, at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, IL.

She was born on October 7, 1944, in Mendota, Illinois, to Lloyd and Irene (Klein) Cotton.  She married Dwight V. Stone in May, 1967.

Surviving are her husband, Dwight Stone of Germantown Hills, IL; children, Alan (Cathy) Stone, Shelly (John) Shallat, and Scott (Julie) Stone; grandchildren, Jaclyn, Anna, Caden, Joseph, Avery, Emmy, and Katelyn; and siblings, Bob Cotton, Carol Sheridan, and Dale Cotton.  She was preceded in death by four siblings, Norma Wright, Donna Barbier, Dean Cotton, and Janis Ryan.

Mary completed her RN degree in 1965 at OSF St. Francis School of Nursing. She was a caring, high energy, dedicated professional working at both OSF and Methodist throughout her career.  Prior to retirement she was a Pre-Op nurse at Methodist Medical Center. Multiple neighbors sought medical advice at the family dining room table.

Avondale Drive in East Peoria was home for 37 years with close neighbors, a community park, and monthly Bunco parties.  The kids had the run of the neighborhood with strict instructions to come home when the street lights turned on.  The parents even had their own motorcycle gang called the "Avondale Chickens."  After 2 of 3 kids moved to Germantown Hills with grandkids, Mary and Dwight followed.

Much time was spent in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan at the family cabin.  Mary enjoyed planting flowers, keeping a tidy house, hosting company, taking pontoon rides, playing rummy, sharing home made coffee cake, and visiting with lake friends. She knew her way around the lake by water ski, jet ski, and snowmobile.

Her biggest love was her family.  She was a positive, present mom at all activities including school time as the "room mom".  She was fun—hitting the road bumps a little too fast in the wood paneled station wagon to give the kids a thrill with 70’s rock on the radio.  She was always available for the grandkids.  Her van was nicknamed the Mama Mary Mobile. She was the best sick day host providing unlimited treats, special drinks, and pillow fluffing. 

She was so giving.  She planned birthday summer pool parties with tons of kids and always insisted that no one be left out.  Modeling her fearless deal finder skills, she loved shopping for others.

Alzheimer's changed the look of her last years of life.  However, she continued spending time with her family and traveling north.  She retained her loving outlook, fierce devotion to her family, and positive disposition.  

She loved to dance.  Anytime.  Anywhere.  She danced in grocery stores, cabin basements, kids' 8th grade dances (leading the bunny hop, Mom, Really?!!), and finally at the Alzheimer's center. We never saw a better "shimmier" and never will. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, April 30, 2023 from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm at the Contemporary Arts Center, 305 SW Water Street, Peoria, IL 61602.  Memorials may be given to the Alzheimer's Association, 614 West Glen Avenue, Peoria, IL 61614 or online at www.alz.org. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Joan (Cotton) Stone, please visit our floral store.