Mary Jo Corkery

Born on June 8, 1939, in Waterloo, IA, Mary Jo was the cherished younger daughter of Edward and Mercedes Murphy Connell. On her 21st birthday, a blind date introduced her to Richard M. “Dick” Corkery. A year later, on September 4, 1961, they were married at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waterloo, Iowa. Their marriage of more than 58 years was a partnership marked by love, laughter, and devotion to one another and their family.

Mary Jo graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Waterloo in 1957, and in 1960, she completed her nursing degree at St. Joseph Mercy School of Nursing, becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). She began her career as a pediatric nurse at Allen Hospital. Following her marriage, she continued her nursing work at Ft. Riley in Manhattan, KS, where her husband Richard served two years during the Vietnam War.

After raising her three daughters, Anne (1962), Kate (1966), and Laura (1969), and many transfers with Dick, they landed in Springfield. This was to be the place they retired and enjoyed their church and community. Mary Jo volunteered for 20 years with the hospice program at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield. She provided comfort and care for patients in their final days, focusing on small but important acts such as making them comfortable and giving them baths. Her work brought dignity and relief to those she served and reflected her lifelong commitment to caring for others in practical, compassionate ways.

Mary Jo also sang in the church choir for many years. She enjoyed lending her voice to weekly Mass and especially looked forward to the seasonal concerts, where she joined in performances of the “Hallelujah Chorus” and “Messiah”. The choir gave her both an outlet for music and lasting friendships that she treasured.

She will be remembered for her quick wit and her love of family and traditions.

Mary Jo is survived by her three daughters, Anne (Matt) of Phoenix, AZ, Kate (David) of Chicago, IL, and Laura (Cy) of Orlando, FL; five grandchildren, Olivia & Tanner Perry and Jacob, Alec, and Nick Paredes; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard; parents; and sister, Judy Connell Kraus.

Visitation and Mass of Christian Burial: Family will receive friends at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Christ the King Parish, 1930 Barberry Dr. Springfield, IL 62704, until the time of Mass at 1:00 p.m. with Fr. Mark Tracy, celebrant.

Burial: 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 25, 2025, at Camp Butler National Cemetery.

The family wishes to extend their thanks to her choir friends who shared music and friendship with Mary Jo throughout her life. They are also grateful to her hospice colleagues, who served alongside her in caring for patients and families. Special thanks go to her primary caregivers for their compassionate and loving care.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association: https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home- Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.