Mary Lindbeck

1926 - 2012

Mary Lindbeck (nee Leyshon), 86, of Winfield, and long-time Galesburg resident, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Aug. 26, 2012, at Wynscape Nursing Center in Wheaton.
Mary was born Aug. 3, 1926, in Cuba, the daughter of Alfred and Nellie Preece Leyshon. She was the devoted wife of the late R. Ivan Lindbeck; treasured mother of Deborah Lindbeck Carlson and son-in-law Craig Carlson, and beloved grandmother of Grace Carlson of Wheaton.
Mary and Ivan were wed on Aug. 17, 1947, and they were blessed with 47 years together. Mary loved life at Lake Bracken, where she lived with her family for 23 years. From 1973 through 1986, Mary resided in Williston, S.C. with Ivan, returning to Galesburg upon their retirement. In 1999, upon the arrival of her beloved granddaughter, Grace, Mary moved to Winfield to enjoy life with her family.
Mary was raised in Knoxville and graduated from Knoxville High School. She attended Brown's Business College in Galesburg and worked as a secretary at Illinois Power Company and Burlington Northern Railroad in Galesburg. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Galesburg and in recent years, St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wheaton.
Known for her beautiful gardens, gracious hospitality, creativity and zest for life, being a grandmother became Mary's greatest joy. A tireless volunteer and caregiver, Mary found her purpose in serving others. She especially enjoyed her volunteer work at Cottage Corner in Galesburg. A treasured friend and "Grandma Mary" to so many, Mary will be remembered for the unconditional love, devotion and care she gave to her family and friends. Mary was truly a gift to all who knew and loved her.
Survivors include daughter, Deborah Lindbeck Carlson, son-in-law, Craig Carlson, and granddaughter, Grace Carlson, of Wheaton. Others mourning her passing include nephew, Pete Boynton and wife Judy of Galesburg; great-niece, Laurel Brill (John) and her children Ashleigh and Alex of Lombard; sister-in-law, Sylvia Lindbeck of Kansas City, Kan.; dear friend, Gwen Kirkendall of Galesburg; Janet Page of Galesburg; and many dear nieces and nephews across the country. Mary is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, A. Blair Leyshon (Eileen) and Norman Leyshon (Ocie); and sister, Muriel Leyshon Boynton (Gabby).
Cremation has been accorded. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Galesburg, with a visitation at 10 a.m. until start of the service. Burial will be at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens in Galesburg. A memorial service to celebrate Mary's life will follow in Wheaton on Saturday, Sept. 15 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wheaton. Memorials may be made to Honey Rock Camp, c/o Wheaton College, 501 College Ave., Wheaton, IL 60187, to Trinity Lutheran Church, 304 E. Ferris St., Galesburg, IL, or to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 515 S. Wheaton Ave., Wheaton, IL 60187.
Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at (630) 668-0027.