Mary G. "Deane" Halpin Obituary (1918

Mary G. "Deane" Halpin, 102, formerly of Reddick, died July 8, 2020 at Evenglow Lodge in Pontiac, where she had been a resident since 2010. Deane was born June 27, 1918 near Campus, the daughter of Leo and Rosalie (Mowry) Johnson. She married James E. Halpin in Campus on December 31, 1947. He preceded her in death on June 21, 1998. Deane attended the Sacred Heart Convent School in Campus, and was believed to be the last surviving student from this school, which closed in 1930. She later attended the rural McGrath school and graduated from Reddick Community High School in 1936. She earned a two-year teaching degree from Illinois State Normal University in 1938. She taught in the one-room Gifford and Southcomb schools in Norton and Broughton Townships from 1938 to 1945. She later worked at Honegger Feeds, Fairbury and as a bookkeeper for her husband's Standard Oil bulk delivery business in Reddick. Deane was a member of St, Mary's Catholic Church, Reddick and was the primary organist there for 60 years (1950-2010). She was a violinist and a cheerleader in high school, played the organ and piano, and was a member of The Bonnie Belles of Harmony singing group in Kankakee. She and her husband enjoyed dancing, and were members of the Cosmo Dance Club. She played golf, bowled in leagues and enjoyed watching her children's and grandchildren's sports activities. In her later years, she volunteered at Reddick Elementary School, with the quilting group at St. Peter's, Dwight and as an organist for the Dwight Heritage Health Center. She and her husband traveled in all 50 states and Europe (3 trips) after their retirement. Deane is survived by her daughter, Joyce Steinman of Bloomington; her son Gerry (Janet) Halpin of Prophetstown; grandchildren Jack (Stephanie) Steinman, Jim(Jessica) Halpin, Kevin (Jessica Kramer) Halpin and Erin Halpin; and great-grandchildren Caroline, Audrey, Sean and Lily Halpin, with one more on the way. Deane was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Elizabeth "Bess" Tavares. Funeral services will be held at St. Mary's Church, Reddick at 10 AM on Tuesday, July 14th. Visitation will be on Monday, July 13th from5 PM to 8PM at Hager Memorial Home in Dwight. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Campus, IL, following the services. Memorials may be made to St. Mary's Church, Reddick. This obituary may be viewed, and condolences sent to the family at www.hagermemorial.com.