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Mary Stewart Obituary

Mary Stewart
Mary Suzanne Stewart, 66, formerly of Cahokia, Ill., born Nov. 12, 1942, in Springfield, Ill., passed away March 16, 2009, in Gainesville, Fla.
Mary spent her youth in Decatur Ill., and graduated from MacCarthur High School. She moved to Cahokia in the early 1960s. She worked in real estate and later in advertising for a newspaper in central Florida. She loved life, had a great sense of humor, and will be missed greatly by those who loved her.
She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Susan; her parents, Stuart and Helen Mercer; two brothers, Jack and Paul; and a nephew.
She leaves behind four children, Angela Ralano of Johnson City, N.Y., Paula Stephenson of Winter Haven, Fla., Vicki Sherman of Newberry, Fla., and Anthony Ralano of Gainesville, Fla.; a grandson, Michael Ralano, and two granddaughters, Wendy Lacey and Ivy Sherman; two brothers, William Mercer of The Woodlands, Texas and Frank (Mick) Mercer of Decatur Ill.; a sister, Elizabeth Hovious of Wilton, N.Y.; and three nieces and three nephews.

Mary was laid to rest in Evergreen Cemetery in Gainesville, Fla.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Belleville News-Democrat from Dec. 13 to Dec. 14, 2009.

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Melanie Escott

December 11, 2009

She was a very important person to me, and I thought of her as a 2nd mom when I was a little girl, at least the fun part. Aunt Mary always had something going on that was intriguing, and she found humor in most situations. She was very beautiful with platinum blond hair and big blue eyes. She was a little wild, but one could never get bored with her. You could be yourself with Aunt Mary and didn't have to worry about how it might look or whether or not it was appropriate. At the end of the day, she wasn't going to feel any differently about you. Most people are simply not like that. I learned a lot from her life, and I miss her already.

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