Mary Colgan

BRADFORD — Mary Carol Colgan, 65, of Bradford died on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013, at her home surrounded by her loving family. Mary put up a courageous fight for three and one-half years against cancer.

Mary was born May 14, 1947, in Peoria to Gilbert and Bernadine (Hufnagel) Hall. She married James Colgan in Peoria on Nov. 30, 1968. He survives, along with two daughters, Jamie (John) Murphy of Bradford and Lindsey Colgan of Kewanee; two sons, Blake Colgan of Ottawa and Brock Colgan of Bradford; six grandchildren, who adored their "NaNa", Natalie and Ryan Murphy, Taylor and Nolan Colgan, Hayden Holton and Julis Tyus; and three sisters, Sharon Maher of Lake in the Hills, Cheryl (Dan) Puffer of Ozark, Mo., and Julie (Greg) Plotner of Dalton, Ohio.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her infant sister.

Mary graduated from Bradford High School in 1965. She then graduated from Dental Assistant School in Minnesota and worked for a general dentist in Peoria before starting a family. After she spent years at home with her small children she returned to work at Dr. Castelein's in Princeton. Most recently she worked at Dr. Krabill's for the last 20 years.

Mary greatly cherished time with her family and friends. She had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren. She loved cooking and flowers. After Mary was diagnosed in 2009 with cancer, she attended the cancer support group at Illinois Cancer Care. She loved the support and many friendships she made there. Mary always had a kind word to say to everyone she knew and remained positive throughout her journey the last three and one-half years.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Princeton with Pastor Derek Boggs officiating. Burial will be in St. John the Catholic Cemetery, Bradford.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Illinois Cancer Care of Peoria and the Evangelical Covenant Church of Princeton.

The Grant-Johnson Funeral Home in Bradford is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.grant-johnsonfh.com.