Mary McCauley

Princeton - Mary Carolyn Doyle McCauley, age 92, passed away peacefully Friday morning, December 15, 2023, at Saint Anthony's Medical Center in Rockford, IL. Mary was born on September 7, 1931, in Evergreen Park, IL. to C. Gregory and Aimee Bouxsein Doyle. Mary was united in marriage to John Robert (Bob) McCauley on January 30, 1954, in Princeton, IL. He preceded her in death on September 17, 2006. She spent her early childhood years in the Chicago neighborhood of Beverly, IL where she learned to play the piano. Following the death of her father in 1941, Mary moved with her family to Princeton, IL. She taught herself to play the organ at Saint Louis Catholic Church. She walked to the church every morning before school to play the organ for daily mass at the age of 10, also playing her first funeral Mass at age 10. She continued serving the Saint Louis parish for over 70 years. Mary graduated from Princeton Township High School Class of 1949 and graduated from the College of Saint Francis in Joliet, IL. with a degree in Elementary Education in 1953. Mary received a Masters Degree in Music from Illinois State University which included a summer study abroad to Eastern Europe learning and studying "The Greats", her favorite composers. Her first teaching experience was elementary school in Tampico, IL and then she taught for Princeton Elementary School District 115 for 36 years, retiring in 1989. Mary and Bob spent many happy winters in Bradenton, FL. She loved to play golf and bridge. She also loved going to plays, operas and all of her grandchildren's musical performances. The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at the Greenfield Retirement Home in Princeton, IL for their loving and kind care of our mother. Mary is survived by her 5 children. Margaret "Peggy" (Greg) Wolcott, Marietta GA, Pat (Colleen Sailer) McCauley, Princeton, IL, Sue (Jim) King, Princeton, IL, Maureen Wallen, Macomb, IL and Clare (Jay) Suarez, Princeton, IL.; 16 grandchildren, Rebecca (Tim Murfin) Keener, Kathryn (Takuro) Masuda, Michelle (Eric) Montanye, Elaine McCauley, Matthew (Elizabeth) Costerisan, Meghan (Peter) Cappetta, David (Lindsey) Sailer, Brian King, Stephanie (Zachary) Arthur, Adam (Megan) King, Amanda (Michael) Elliott, Nathan (Rachel) Wallen, Dane (Kerriann Otano) Suarez, Victoria (Brent) Yepsen, Evan Suarez, Sophia (Kyle) McComber, Mary also has 30 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents C. Gregory and Aimee Doyle, her husband of over 52 years, Bob, three siblings. Dick Doyle, Peter Doyle and JoAnne McCauley one sister-in-law June Doyle and one brother-in-law, Arnold McCauley, and one son in law, Richard Wallen. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Saint Louis Catholic Church or Greenfield Retirement Home both located in Princeton IL. A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday December 21, 2023, at Norbert Memorial Home, Inc & Monuments in Princeton, IL. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 22, 2023, at Saint Louis Catholic Church in Princeton, IL with Monsignor Kruse officiating. Graveside services to follow at Oakland Cemetery in Princeton, IL. Online condolences may be directed to www.norbergfh.com Arrangements by Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments.

Mary McCauley

September 7, 1931 - December 15, 2023