Mary Maureen Fairfield Obituary (1963

Mary Maureen Fairfield, born April 16, 1963, passed away peacefully at home on December 21st, 2019, concluding her journey with brain cancer. She is the daughter of Richard Victor Wallbaum and Rose Marie Fairfield. Mary is survived by her husband Roderick Allen Kline, Le Roy, IL, mother Rose (Fairfield) Wallbaum, Prairie Village, KS, daughter Rose (Matthew) Hinsz, Kansas City MO, and son Peter Johnson, Urbana, IL, step-sons Kyle (Alexis Crispino) Kline, Austin, TX and Drew Kline, Kansas City, MO, and step-daughter Chelsea (Kavontae) Grismore, Le Roy, IL. As well as four older siblings, Richard Wallbaum, Prairie Village, KS, David (Cynthia) Wallbaum, Crossville, TN, Sarah (Robert Brassard) Wallbaum, Prairie Village, KS, and Chuck (Dody Cosmedy) Wallbaum, Urbana, IL. Reuniting with her father, Richard Wallbaum, and niece, Erin Cordle. As the daughter of a World War II Navy veteran, Mary was very active - in her younger days - with the American Legion Youth. Mary was elected president of the Department of Illinois Junior American Legion Auxiliary in 1979 and was selected to be an Illinois delegate to Girls State College in 1980. Mary also served as the organist at Sacre Coeur Catholic Church for many years. Mary attended Academy of Our Lady/Spaulding Institute, Illinois Central College, and Illinois State University. After graduating from Illinois State University in 1985 with an applied computer science degree, she began her career with COUNTRY Companies and later moved to State Farm. She retired from State Farm after 28 years, spending all her time doting on her three grandchildren, Ava (7), Aliyah (4), and Zander Grismore (5 months), Le Roy, IL. Mary dedicated her life to a pursuit of happiness; cruising, boating, enjoying chocolate ice cream, and exploring the United States and over a dozen other countries with Rick, the love of her life. With a strong faith in Jesus Christ, she loved laughing and sharing stories of their adventures. When Mary wasn't making her famous pies and cheesecake, she was likely found enjoying "dirt therapy" in her flower garden. The family would like to thank Mary's wonderful caregivers Devan Flessner, Sherri Morris, Paula Dawson, and Transitions Hospice. The family asks that you join them for a Celebration of Life and ice cream social at the Le Roy American Legion from 1 PM to 4 PM, December 29, 2019. Memorials may be made to LeRoy Ambulance Service or American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, Rochester, MN.