Mary Ann Otten

Mary Ann (Marsicek) Otten, a longtime resident of Washington, IL, unexpectedly passed into God’s loving embrace Monday, May 18th at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL at the age of 82. A beloved wife, Mary is survived by her husband of 60 years, James Otten. She was a cherished mother to six children: Julie Otten, Laura Otten (Rob Grahek), Karen (Greg) Wilson, Jeff (Carol) Otten, Mark Otten, and Steve Otten. In addition, Mary was a treasured grandmother to nine grandchildren: Meg, Noah, Nathan, Robbie, Luke, Charlie, Katie, Maryclare, and Allison. She is also survived by her brother, Dan Marsicek, of Greenfield, WI. Mary is preceded in death by her parents Jerry and Elizabeth Marsicek, her brothers Fran and Jim Marsicek, and her sister, Bernice (Marsicek) White. Mary was born in Wilson, MI, on July 9, 1932. She attended St. Joseph’s High School in Escanaba, MI and graduated from St. Francis School of Nursing in 1953. Thus began a distinguished 40 year career in nursing and nursing administration. She retired in 1992 as a Director of Nursing. She spent her retirement years enjoying every minute with her husband, children, and grandchildren. She was especially proud of her grandchildren and took every opportunity to praise their many accomplishments. She loved gardening, traveling, and playing Words With Friends. Her passion in retirement was quilting. Her quilts are her one of her enduring gifts to her children, grandchildren, and to so many others. Mary belonged to Gems of the Prairie Quilters, Washington Quilters and was a founding member of the “Mary Quilters,” a group of nursing colleagues all named Mary (with one Sue) who met once a week for friendship and quilting. Together they contributed many quilts to St. Jude Kids, Center for Prevention of Abuse, and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at OSF. Mary was an extraordinarily gifted caregiver to all who were lucky to know her. She was “mom” to more than her immediate family. She is desperately missed. A funeral mass of resurrection will be at 10 am Saturday, May 23, 2015 at St. Patrick Church in Washington, where she was a member. Father Dominic Garramone will preside. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm on Friday, May 22, 2015 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington, where recitation of the rosary will follow at 7:30PM. Burial will be in Glendale Cemetery in Washington. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Heart of Illinois Downs Syndrome Association or the St. Francis Medical Center College of Nursing.

Mary Ann Otten

July 9, 1932 - May 18, 2015