Mary Eugenia Kilgallen's Obituary
Big Rapids - Mary Eugenia Kilgallen, 75, of Big Rapids, passed away April 16, 2020 at her residence.
She was born January 8, 1945 in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Austin and Agnes (Weidner) Kilgallen. Mary graduated from Honesdale Catholic High School in 1962, and went on to earn her Master's degree from Misericordia College.
Mary began teaching in the English Department at Ferris State University in Sept. 1968. Her mentor was John McNamara, who with his wife Sally McNamara became beloved life-long friends. Annually, she was Editor/ Publisher of the Student Writing Contest book, "The Prism." Mary was a member of the Professional Education Association, and also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, (DKG) professional education sorority from 1980 till illness curtailed her mobility around 2010. During those years she served as President from 1990-92 and was honored as the group's Woman of Distinction in 2002. She retired from Ferris in May 2008, and was missed by her colleagues, including Florence Storm, Sally McNamara, Mary Green, and Anna DeZillia.
Mary was a lifelong member of St. Mary-St. Paul Catholic Parrish, and participated in many services through readings as Eucharistic Minister and lector. She was also an active participant of Gods Kitchen, and a member of the St. Paul choir.
In 1983, Mary became a valuable contributor for twenty years to The Caucus, a leadership group which supported loyal, kind friendships. She loyally supported her friend Susan Paolicchi in founding it and helped it bloom with Lynn Scheible. Mary was a member of the Spectrum Health Big Rapids Auxiliary, and was also active with Artworks. She loved the Marathon Bridge players, where she and partner Mary Sue Hansen won the championship .
She is survived by many cousins, friends, and colleagues. Also, her beloved cat Clio.
Graveside services will be at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at St. John The Evangelist Cemetery in Honesdale, PA, where she will be laid to rest next to her parents. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name may be made to The Ferris Foundation to support the PRISM Award in the English, Literature, and World Languages Department at Ferris State University and mailed to 420 Oak Street, PRK 101, Big Rapids, MI 49307 or visit www.ferris.edu/giving.
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