Mary June Garrity-Enger, 75, of Morris, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012, at her home with her loving family by her side.
Born June 28, 1937, in Morris, Mary is a daughter of the late Edward and Ethel Ratliff-Garrity. She was raised and educated in Morris, graduating from the Saint Angela Academy in 1955.
Mary was a nurse her entire life. She began her career by attending St. Xavier University, where she completed her certification to become a registered nurse in 1958. It was there that she was also a member of the Golden Graduate Society.
Mary June later went on to complete her bachelor’s degree in health care, graduating from the University of Saint Francis in 1985.
She was employed by Morris Hospital, where she was an officer of the Morris Hospital Auxiliary, was instrumental in the hospital gaining trauma designation, and was also responsible for starting the Occupational Medicine Department prior to her retirement in 2005.
Mary June was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Morris, the American Legion Auxiliary and was a graduate of the Citizens Police Academy. She will be remembered for her enjoyment of crafts, reading and traveling, especially to Ireland and the Southwest.
Survivors include her children: Lucy Marie Enger of Morris, Les "Buster" (Julie) Enger of Carpentersville, Ill., Catherine Enger of Morris, Tom (Kim) Enger of Morris and Marquita (Jeff) Popodinski of Morris; grandchildren, Michael Backus, Jeffrey Backus, Keegan Hilton, Brandon Enger, Brent Enger and Mackenzie Enger; great-grandchildren, Brandon Backus and Tristan Backus; sister, Lucy Ellen Novotne of Morris; numerous nieces and nephews; and dear friends, JoAnn Knudson and Sandy Werden, both of Morris.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Sr. Mary Yvonne and Marilyn Olson.
The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5, 2012, at Reeves Funeral Home, 408 East Washington St. (one block east of Illinois 47) in Morris.
Preferred memorials maybe made as gifts in Mary’s memory to Lifeline at Morris Hospital or The Wounded Warrior Project.
Friends and family may sign the online guest book or send private condolences by logging onto www.ReevesFuneral.com.
Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Morris. For more information, call (815) 942-2500.
