Marie Britta Tinney

Marie was born August 23, 1938 in Belleville, IL to Andrew and Virginia (Wiget) Schwarz.

She married Donald L. Tinney on May 6, 1961; he preceded her in death on January 15, 2004. She was also preceded in death by her parents; grandson, Scott Andrew Tinney; daughters-in-law, Robin Tinney and Elaine Tinney; sisters-in-law, Betty Schwarz, Sandy Schwarz and Sharon Schwarz; and brother-in-law, Gerald Weis.

Marie is survived by her loving family, including her two sons, Karl Tinney of Belleville, IL and Erik Tinney of Belleville, IL; grandchildren, Laura (Dustin) Gross of Hecker, IL, Lisa (Cole) Davis of Belleville, IL, Jennifer (BJ) Davis of New Douglas, IL; and Joshua (Megan) Tinney of Belleville, IL; great-grandchildren, Hannah, Paisley, Gwendolyn, Jax, Luke, Tori, Brooke, Mateo, Josiah, and Nina; and her siblings, Andrew Schwarz of Pittsburg, PA, Marguerite Weis of Belleville, IL, Fred Schwarz of Jefferson City, MO, John (Debby) Schwarz of Olathe, KS, James (Linda) Schwarz of St. Charles, MO and Anne (Larry) Johnson of Cape Coral, FL.

Marie spent her life serving and caring for others as a Registered Nurse. She worked at St. Louis Children’s Hospital in the pediatrics department for a brief time and then continued her devoted career for 25 years at Memorial Hospital in Belleville; retiring in 1995.

Marie will be remembered for her kind heart, gentle spirit, and the joy she found serving the Lord and others at Zion Lutheran Church in Belleville. She was an active, long time member, involved in many capacities, including Project Linus where she helped create homemade blankets for sick children, LAMS (Ladies Aid Mission Society), Juliets, and playing beautiful music with the Senior Handbell Choir. She handmade ornaments for the Christmas tree at Zion Lutheran and each year, Marie made her family personalized ornaments that will undoubtedly be a cherished keepsake for generations to come.

She enjoyed crafting, knitting, and crocheting beautiful creations. She also found happiness in working puzzles, spending time outdoors, fishing, and watching the birds that visited her yard. In years past, she enjoyed playing bingo with friends and always looked forward to a good game of cards, where laughter and fellowship were just as important as winning.

Marie was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and rarely missed the chance to cheer on her favorite team.

Above all, Marie treasured the time she spent with those she loved. She was an integral part of her children and grandchildren’s lives growing up, never missing a game, a graduation or a special event in their lives.

Although her loss leaves a painful void, her family rests in knowing she is now with her beloved Lord. Her warm smile, caring nature, and the memories she created will remain in the hearts of her family and friends forever.

A visitation for Marie will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, from 6:00 P.M.- 8:00 P.M. at Zion Lutheran Church, in the school gymnasium. An additional visitation will be held the following day, Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 9:00 A.M.- 11:00 A.M. in the school gymnasium.

A funeral service for Marie will be held at 11:00 A.M. Interment will follow at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, IL, alongside her beloved husband, Donald.

Memorial donations may be made to Zion Lutheran Church Endowment Fund, to assist in expanding the ministry of the church for years to come.