Mary Jane Hurie

Mary Jane Hurie, 77, of Petersburg, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. She was born on August 10, 1948, in Springfield, Illinois, to Arnold Fricke and Mildred (Roegge) Fricke. They preceded her in death, along with her beloved stepfather, John Root. Mary Jane was united in marriage to John “Tim” Hurie on April 7, 1973, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Petersburg, Illinois. Mary Jane is survived by her husband of 53 years, Tim; son Jeff (Shellie) Hurie of Bloomington, Illinois and daughter Katy (Tony) Parrack of Creve Coeur, Missouri; grandchildren Gabi Hurie, Emme Hurie, Alex Hurie, Wyatt Parrack and Ben Parrack; siblings David (Cindy) Fricke, Marcia Cass, and Pamela (Jeff) McNabb; and sister-in-law Susan Anderson. Following her graduation from Petersburg Harris High School in 1966, Mary Jane attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1972. She later earned a Master of Arts in History from Sangamon State University. A devoted follower of Jesus Christ, Mary Jane was a long-time member of Rock Creek Presbyterian Church in Tallula, Illinois where, on special occasions, she would bless the congregation with her talent for playing the piano. Mary Jane was a history, government and social studies teacher at Athens High School for more than 30 years. Following her retirement from teaching, she served as the President of Menard Caring and was an active member of the Petersburg Women’s Club. As a result of her contributions, Mary Jane was named Petersburg First Citizen in 2018. Mary Jane dedicated her life to serving others through her teaching, her work in the church, and her community involvement. Her unwavering faith, passion for education, and warm smile touched countless lives. Her special joy was being a devoted grandmother who prioritized nurturing her relationships with each of her grandchildren. Mary Jane came to all of their special events, from musical recitals to sports to school productions and activities. Her special annual tradition was taking the grandkids to the Illinois State Fair, where they enjoyed an abundance of rides and treats. She loved her grandchildren deeply; she played games with them, traveled with them, and showered them with love and affection. Visitation will be held on Monday, April 27, 2026, from 9 am to 11 am at Rock Creek Presbyterian Church. The funeral service will immediately follow at 11 am with Pastor Joanne Hinds officiating. Burial in Rock Creek Cemetery will follow the service. Memorial donations in Mary Jane’s memory may be made to Rock Creek Presbyterian Church or the Menard County Food Pantry. Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg is assisting Mary Jane’s family with arrangements. Condolences may be shared with her family at hurleyfh.com.

Mary Jane Hurie

August 10, 1948 - April 19, 2026

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