Mary M. Silvernail

Mary Margaret Silvernail, 76, of Green Valley, IL made her way into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, January 10th, 2023 after battling breast cancer. Mary was born December 16, 1946 to Thomas and Gladys (Hemstad) Sauber in Stanley, North Dakota. On August of 1968, while he was stationed at Minot Air Force Base, Mary met David “Mike” Silvernail at a USO dance. They were wed in North Dakota on February 22, 1969 and moved shortly thereafter to Illinois. Mike preceded her in death on January 4th, 2018. Mary remained in their country homestead, accompanied by their furry couch potato, Charlie- a King Charles Spaniel. Mary is survived by her daughter Melissa (Brian “Belvidere”) Hays of Mason City, IL. Mary, along with Charlie, lived out her final weeks living with Melissa and Brian, enjoying time surrounded by the love and laughter of family and friends. She is also survived by her grandson- the light of her life, Jake (Lyndsay) Johnson of Mason City, IL. Mary was a very hands-on, adventurous and fun “Nana” that, to the very end, would light up whenever she heard Jake’s voice in the room. Her surviving siblings include: Barbara (Alan) DeTienne of New Town, North Dakota, Joe Sauber of Stanley, North Dakota, and Thomas Sauber of Stanley, North Dakota. She was preceded in death by her parents, as well as two siblings: Patricia Mount of Mason City, Illinois and Michael Sauber of Stanley, North Dakota. She is survived by several nieces: Farrah (Will) Triplett, Dara Mount, Kara (Ron) Berryman, Sara (Dustin) Ceynar, and Amy (Travis) Clark. She is survived by one nephew, Kyle DeTienne. In addition, Mary had several great nieces and nephews- she truly enjoyed attending all of the family events, whether sporting, racing, rodeo, or 4H. Mary loved a good day of shopping, and everyone that knew her can attest to her fashion and flair! In her final weeks, she was able to enjoy a shopping trip with her daughter Melissa and sister Barb, as well as a boutique day with Jake and Lyndsay! Her favorite local store was Manhattan Fields Boutique in Havana, IL. She loved a strong cup of black coffee, a cold fountain Coke, home baked goodies, and some quality lefse (a Norwegian potato bread). For her entire life, Mary was an amazing cook/baker. She served as a room mother for her daughter’s class at Green Valley Grade/Jr High School, always bringing homemade treats. She also worked many years as a school cook at Green Valley, then additional years at Illini Central Junior High cafeteria prior to her retirement. Mary also served as a volunteer for her church, St Mary’s, bringing many wonderful homemade treats for church functions and offering her time for any needs. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, January 16th, 2023 at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Delavan, 505 E. 4th St, Delavan, IL 61734 at 11:00 am. A time of visitation will be offered prior to the mass at the church from 10:00 am-11:00 am. Burial will follow at Mason City Cemetery in Mason City, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to the family to assist with expenses or in her memory to St Mary’s Catholic Church, 505 E. 4th St, Delavan, IL 61734 Hurley Funeral Home in Mason City, IL is assisting the family with arrangements.

Mary M. Silvernail

December 16, 1946 - January 10, 2023

Explore Obituaries &
Upcoming Services