Mary was a member of the National Honor Society at East High School in Aurora, Illinois, 1941. She is an alumnus of Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, where she received her teaching certificate. Mary taught elementary school prior to starting a family with her husband Bob. They were blessed with three children, Ann, Mike and Jim. They lived in Illinois, Texas, Massachusetts and Michigan, before finally moving the family to Lincoln in 1968.
Mary was an active and enthusiastic Life Member of the League of Women Voters, for over 59 years. When in Lincoln she dedicated her career to the Nebraska Heart Association, where she retired from her position as Lincoln Division Director in June 1989.
Mary had a continuous thirst for knowledge, was an avid reader, regularly attended OLLI classes, enjoyed travel, politics, playing bridge and scrabble, and spending time with her family and friends.
She is survived by her daughter Ann Eroshevich, son James and daughter-in-law Pamela Zilly, granddaughter Lindsey and husband Kyle Williams, grandson Christopher Zilly and Cassy Sellers, great granddaughters Eliza, Kassidy and Jaida Williams, nephew Tom Goeltz and family, niece Gail Wachsmuth and family,
Preceded in death by parents Frank and Olga Anning, sister Patricia Goeltz, son Michael Zilly, and son-in-law Thomas Eroshovich.
A Celebration of Life Lunch Gathering in Mary’s honor will be held at First Plymouth Congregational Church, 2000 D Street, Lincoln, at 11:30, Tuesday, November 22.
Memorials to Nebraska Heart Association, 9900 Nicholas St. #200, Omaha, NE 68114.