Mary Elizabeth Staudt

Mary was born on December 20, 1948, in New York, NY, the daughter of Francis Patrick and Joan (Pattenden) Dillon. She grew up in Merrick, NY and was one of six children. She married John E. Staudt on September 25, 1971, in Merrick, NY.

Mary graduated from Calhoun High School and Saint Leo University. Early on, she taught physical education. After moving to Springfield in 1979, Mary raised her children and was an active member of Blessed Sacrament Parish for over 42 years. She engaged in many volunteer activities, including the church choir, Eucharistic ministry, St. John’s Samaritans, Franciscan Lay Associates, King’s Daughters Organization, and Theresians International. Mary was a tremendous sports enthusiast, who loved to watch and participate in all manner of athletic events. She enjoyed tennis, golf, pickleball, and even once ran in the Chicago Marathon. Mary also served as coach of the Sacred Heart-Griffin High School boys swim team in the 1990s.

She was preceded in death by her son, Sean Staudt in 1998; her parents; and one sister, Barbara Dillon.

Mary is survived by her husband, John E. Staudt of Springfield; two sons, Christopher (wife, Veronica) Staudt of Homer Glen, IL and Brian (wife, Carlyn) Staudt of Kensington, MD; five grandchildren, Victoria, Valerie, Sophie, Michael, and Cecilia; four siblings, Michael (wife, Marlene) Dillon of Clayton, NC, Susan Martin of Springfield, Lorraine (husband, Paul) Delaney of New Fairfield, CT, and Anne (husband, Robert) Edwards of Sebastian, FL; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1725 South Walnut St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service.

Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, February 10, 2022, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with Rev. Jeff Grant, celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Illinois COVID-19 guidance will be followed, requiring face coverings at the Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Blessed Sacrament Parish, 1725 South Walnut St., Springfield, IL 62704.

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