Mary Jane Kale, 92, of Rock Island, passed away peacefully in her sleep Thursday, October 22, 2015 at Avonlea Cottage, Milan, after suffering many years with dementia.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 26 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Rock Island. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Rock Island. Visitation will be 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, 3030 -7th Ave., Rock Island, with a Rosary at 2:00 p.m.
Mary Jane was born September 5, 1923 in Moline, a daughter of John and Margaret (Mohr) Farrell. She graduated from St. Mary High School. Mary Jane and William P. Kale were united in marriage on October 11, 1947 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Moline. William preceded her in death on October 20, 1994.
She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. In addition to being a homemaker, she later went back to work when her husband became afflicted with multiple sclerosis. She retired in 1992 from the Rock Island Arsenal where she originally worked during World War II. She was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church, Rock Island. Mary Jane was a very giving person, not only to her family, but to others in need. She enjoyed travelling, sewing, needlepoint, and especially shopping for her grandchildren.
Surviving are her children (and spouses), Susan (Bill) Waugh, Peoria, AZ; Peter (Patricia) Kale, Urbana, IL; William T. Kale, Rock Island; Nancy (James) Chadwick, East Moline; Patricia (Ramon) Mendoza, Moline; Mary (Joseph) Brune, Rock Island; and Margaret (Fred) Kellogg, Palm Beach Gardens, FL; son-in-law, Bill Smith, Milan; twelve grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Mary Jane was also preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Jane Smith; brothers, John, Charlie, Sid, Mike, and Jim Farrell; and sisters, Geraldine Farrell and Nonnie Haines.
Online condolences may be left for the family at wheelanpressly.com. Memorials may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry Rock Island.
Mary Jane's family wishes to express a special thank you to the staff of Avonlea Cottage for their exceptional care and kindness.