Mary Jane (Clark) Kochan

Mary Jane Clark Kochan, 77, of Herrin,  passed away in her home, Wednesday, March 25, 2020, with her daughter, Tammy, and dear friend, Jeanne, by her side.

She was born June 10, 1942, in Murphysboro, to Fred Monroe and Joanna Louise (Bean) Clark.  

Mary is survived by her children, Tammy Teeling of Springfield, Missouri, and children, Trevor Teeling and Tara (Chris) Teeling-Estrada; Terrie (Hobert) Merriett of Walnut Grove, Missouri, and child, Sierra Gibbons; Mark (Angie) Kochan of Herrin, and children, Cassie, Caitlin, Jacob, and Nicholas Kochan; and Michael (Suzanne) Kochan of Mary Esther, Florida, and children, Joshua, Ryan, Ashley, and Declan Kochan; great-grandson, Grayson Teeling-Estrada; siblings, Georgia Clark Kelley and Ron Clark.

She was preceded in death by her parents; George Kochan; and son-in-law, Tim Teeling.
 

She received her Teacher State Certification in 1969 and loving devoted herself to many students and families in the Special Education Department.

She found great entertainment in reading, talking to her children and grandchildren and quizzing them as she loved history and all forms of learning. She greatly enjoyed laughing and watching sports; finding thrill at a good game of basketball and watching ice skating. She loved sipping coffee while sharing stories with her quick wit and laughter. No matter where she went, she always made friends. Her heart swelled when she learned the life story of others and shared hers in return. She lived an undeniably compassionate life that always welcomed others-she didn’t know a stranger. She cared tremendously for all wild life, but horses were her favorite. Since a young age, joy filled her heart when she imagined the idea of having her own horse named, “Trigger.” She was a substantial giver to anyone or anything she came in contact with including the birds and squirrels on her front porch. She wanted to make sure no one and nothing ever went hungry. She believed when the Lord blessed her, it was to share with others. She enjoyed good music and American Sign Language. She happily answered to her adored names of "Mamal Mary" and "MoMo".

Mary was a member of Our Lady Of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Herrin. Mary served the Lord cheerfully all of her life and she will be missed by many.

In honor of Mary, a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions in her name, can be made to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School in Herrin.

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