Mary E. Fay

Mary Elizabeth Fay (Farmer) passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, June 25, 2016 at the age of 94. She was a resident of the Quad Cities for over 60 years and more recently the Brookdale Meadows of Glen Ellyn, IL

Mary was born September 5, 1921 to Sam and Mertie Farmer in Fairfield, Iowa. After graduating from Parsons College, she worked at Bankers Life in Des Moines and United Airlines in Rock Island. Mary was an active volunteer with the PTA and Kings Daughters, spent several years as a bed-side tutor and went on to teach math at Audubon Elementary in Rock Island. Upon retirement, Mary spent many hours volunteering at Moline Trinity Hospital and the Rock Island Library's student tutoring program. She was an avid gardener, reader, golfer, bowler, bridge player and cook, and especially loved her time spent with family and friends. A talented needle worker, she leaves behind many beautiful quilts, cross-stitched and knitted pieces made by her loving hands. Mary was very proud of her family and blessed them with wonderful memories. As she said in the days preceding her death, "I lived a wonderful life; now go live yours."

Mary will be greatly missed by Harry, her husband of 67 years, two daughters: Gracia (Will) McAllister and Beth (Rick) Quoss; five grandchildren: Andrew (Viju) McAllister, Sarah (Jake) Peters, Matt (Ashley) Quoss, Adam Quoss, Elizabeth Quoss (Justin Coghill); and four great-grandsons: Sam & Tim Peters and Cash & Cross McAllister. She was preceded in death by her sister, May Johnson.

A private memorial service will be held at the Rock Island Arsenal. Arrangements made by Leonard Memorial Home, Glen Ellyn, IL and Wheelan~Pressly Funeral Home, Rock Island, IL.

In honor of her memory, please pay it forward by volunteering or donating to your favorite charity.

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