Mary Ann Casey

1942 - 2026

Mary Ann Casey

July 20, 1942 - February 9, 2026

Mary Ann Casey, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Andalusia on February 9, 2026, at the age of 83, surrounded by her family. Mary Ann fought a tenacious battle with Stage 4 cancer that lasted almost four years. Mary Ann's strength never wavered. She fought courageously with everything she had for those she loved. Our "tough old bird" has now earned her wings.

Mary Ann Mull was born to Eugene Gus and Alice Irish Mull on July 20, 1942, in Tampa, Florida. Her father was a Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. He shipped out only three months after her birth to fight in North Africa and Italy during WWII, where he named his jeep "Mary Ann." He did not return home for four years.

Mary Ann's childhood was spent in Rock Island and Bettendorf. She graduated from Bettendorf High School and attended Luther College. She returned home to Bettendorf in 1964 after her father and sister were gravely injured in a car crash caused by a drunk driver.

Mary Ann met her future husband at the "Never on Friday Club" in Moline. She married Cecil F. Casey, always known as "Casey," on September 12, 1970, in Bettendorf. They moved to Andalusia to raise their daughter, laying roots that would grow into generations. Today, her daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren all live in Andalusia, the place Mary Ann called home.

Mary Ann's favorite jobs included serving as the librarian at the Andalusia Library and as a teacher's aide at the Andalusia Grade School. At the grade school, she became known as "the cupcake lady" for the treats she often brought to classes. This continued throughout the years for her daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her contributions to her community exemplified her commitment to the growth and development of others, particularly children and reading.

After researching her heritage, Mary Ann became a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the National Society of the Colonial Dames, and the Mayflower Society. For many years, she enjoyed attending Irish family reunions on family farms in Blandinsville, Illinois, with her many cousins.

She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Milan. Mary Ann always embraced her faith. She had a variety of interests, including a love of animals, swimming at the YWCA, scrapbooking, collecting horse statues, and Coca-Cola memorabilia. Mary Ann was also an avid reader and a passionate fan of watching basketball games, particularly when Michael Jordan was playing. She attended several Chicago Bulls championship celebrations in Chicago. She more recently enjoyed going to see Caitlin Clark play.

Mary Ann enjoyed rock music and attended many concerts over the years, including the Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, Rod Stewart, and the Eagles. Every time "Queen" came to town, the whole family wore their matching T-shirts and attended the concert.

Her latest project was having life-size horse statues in her front yard and dressing them up for various holidays. She smiled at the people who would drive by to see them. She had always wanted a pony for Christmas, so the statues were a wish come true.

In the last few years, Mary Ann had been living her best life. Anywhere she wanted to go, her family made it possible: going to concerts, cruising to the Bahamas, swimming with pigs, visiting Graceland, going to the Grand Canyon, sleeping in a cave, and her absolute favorite was cruising to Alaska. She would say everyone should cruise to Alaska every year! Above all, her greatest joy came from spending time with her cherished family, including when she lovingly engaged in working on Lego projects with Kayden and dance parties with Kamilla.

Mary Ann is survived by her daughter, Sara Casey of Andalusia; her grandchildren, Kayla (Robert) Purdy and Tyler Casey, both of Andalusia, as well as Scottie and Anna Chaplin of Davenport, and Levi (Brittany) Mallinger of Wisconsin. She is survived by her great- grandchildren, R.J., Kayden, and Kamilla. She is also survived by her siblings, Martha (Tony) Belluschi of Portland, OR, and Richard (Elise) Mull of Ames, Iowa, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, husband, and son-in-law, Scott Mallinger.

A funeral service will be held in her honor at 1 pm on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, located at 201 E. 4th Avenue, Milan. Prior to the service, friends and family may gather for a visitation from 12 pm to 1 pm at the funeral home. Mary Ann will be laid to rest at the Rock Island National Cemetery on Arsenal Island, joining her husband and parents there.

The family requests that memorials be made in Mary Ann's name to the Andalusia Volunteer Ambulance or the QC Animal Welfare Center. The family would like to especially thank all her YWCA friends, Phyllis Robinson, handyman Rick, and the best neighbors in the world, Denny and Rose, for their continued support and friendship.

Online condolences, memories, and expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at wheelanpressly.com

Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory

201 E. 4th Avenue

Milan, Illinois 61264

309-756-5513