Mary Teager, a 44-year resident of Silvis, IL, died on February 25, 2014 after falling ill while visiting her daughter Jennifer in Carrollton, TX. A “Celebration of Life” Service will be held for Mary on this Saturday, April 26 at 2PM at the Faith Walk World Outreach Center, 1450 Avenue of the Cities in Silvis. All friends are welcome and can offer memories at the service or can leave them at www.forevermissed.com (to be read at the service). In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in her memory be made to the Silvis Garden Club, P.O. Box 71, Silvis, IL 61282.
Mary was born on May 13, 1937 in Powersville, MO, to Ira & Hazel Fields and a story was foretold: she became a “powerhouse” personality, known to friends and family alike as endlessly creative, determined and full of energy. Over the years, she was an invaluable contributor to any project she took on, giving her all and always making things happen.
As a young girl, Mary moved with her parents to Carbon Cliff, IL, where they established a popular Grocery Store that then became a Craft Store. She learned the values of hard work & morality from her Mother and entrepreneurship & customer service from her Father. From an early age, she was enamored with commerce, retailing, design and crafts.
In 1955, Mary graduated from United Township High School and married Norman Teager; they later moved to Silvis where they raised a family of 4 children. They were married for over 40 years until Norm’s death in 1996.
In addition to raising her family, Mary was a renowned craft artist, a successful businesswoman and a highly respected community activist/booster. She began Craft Departments in the Ridgewood Variety and Ben Franklin stores and started 3 retail businesses: Your Hearts Desire Gift Shop, Country Charm Gifts & Crafts Store and Over the River & Thru the Woods Tours. She authored craft books featuring her designs for nearly 30 years that are still popular nationwide (including the best selling book in her publisher’s history). She designed and made crafts in virtually every medium, including wood, ceramics, painting, beads, stone and sewn/stitched items including quilts.
She played a major role in the development of Hero Street USA Monument Park & Railway Park by raising $45,000 in funds and securing land, started/supported numerous activities to boost the Silvis Business Association (Silvis Garden Walks, Citywide Garage Sale, Moonlight Parade, Christmas in Silvis) helped establish the Zinnia as the city flower (planting hundreds at City Hall) and made Silvis Park a fun and safe place for children (launching a Pet Parade, Penny Carnival and many other activities). She was called “Silvis’ most effective promoter.” She was a major cheerleader for local events like Farmers Markets and the Silvis 5K Run. She was also an avid gardener and member of the Silvis Garden Club, acting as newsletter editor, fundraiser, activity creator & planter (with many other Garden Club members) of thousands of flowers in the city’s public areas. She lived a big life and left many wonderful treasures behind for her community to enjoy.
Mary was a resident of Silvis until 2008, when she moved to Naperville, IL to live with her daughter Carrie and partner Rachel. There she was a member of the Unitarian Church (where she joined the Crafting Group) and the Naperville Garden Club. She became active in local quilting associations and created beautiful gardens of her own. But she loved nothing more than riding her John Deere riding mower around her daughter’s property, wearing her pink Babe’s cap with rhinestones.
Mary is survived by 2 of her sisters, Lora Humphrey of Silvis, IL and Imogene Ogle of Jefferson, IA and 4 children, Carrie (Rachel) of Naperville, IL, Greg (Darla) of Moline, IL, Brian (Susan) of North Liberty, IA and Jennifer of Carrollton, TX, her former daughter-in-law Dawn Marner of Moline, IL and 5 grandchildren, Nathaniel (Tomica), Dylann (Katie), Gabriel (Kailey), Madison & Caleb. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Christine.
