Mary Ellen Tyson

Mary Ellen Toland Tyson, age 92, of Beardstown, died peacefully on September 4th at Beardstown Health & Rehab with family and friends by her side.

She was born February 1, 1934 in Peoria, Illinois, the daughter of William M. and Velma C. Dodds Toland. She married her soul-mate Harold Eugene Tyson on June 30, 1957 at First United Methodist Church in Rushville. He preceded her in death on May 21, 2025.

She is survived by son Stan of New Berlin, Illinois; daughter Kathy (Mike) Dolezal of Chester, Idaho; son Scott (Jeanne) of Inkom, Idaho; daughter Karin (Angela) of Belleville, Illinois; two grandsons Jacob Dolezal, Benjamin Dolezal; three granddaughters Kaitlyn Dolezal, Megan Tyson, Madison Tyson; one great-grandson Kaysen Dolezal; several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews, one very close cousin, Marcella Smith, and two very good friends, Nancee Rebman and Ann Brewer - all of whom she treasured very much. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Patricia Brockschmidt and Sandra Roegge, and her parents.

Mary grew up in Peoria and Browning, graduated from Rushville High School in 1952 with honors. She graduated from Western Illinois University with honors in 1956 with a Bachelor's Degree in Education. She was a member of Pi Cappa Gamma Sorority and Western Women's Association, and also earned 18 credits towards her Master's Degree in Education.

Mary was the hardest worker, teaching Kindergarten, 6th grade, and 1st grade at Washington, Beard, and Gard Schools for 36 years, delivering top notch education to ~900 Beardstown students. Her and dad liked to build school projects together, one time building a very large milk jug igloo! Teaching was always her passion and she was a firm believer in the importance of education and reading. She fought for children's education throughout her tenure, unafraid to stand toe-to-toe with anyone when it came to aiding her students. She retired in 1995. She would famously say to all of her children "You must get your education. It's the one thing they can never take away from you" as she convinced us all to go to college.

Her accolades include President of the Beardstown Education Association, President of the Illinois Education Association, President of Beardstown Parent Teacher Association, President of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, which unites women educators to promote personal/professional growth and excellence in education, and a member of the Illinois Retired Teacher's Association, which provides scholarships and grants to students.

Mary was a lifetime bookworm, always buried in a book. She had a magnificent children's book collection, which she shared with her students such as "Where the Wild Things Are", "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie", and every Clifford book ever written, all to inspire them to read. She would dress up for Halloween with her class every year, sewing her own costumes. Clifford the Big Red Dog made the most appearances in the classroom - it was a sight watching her get in the car with that on!! Mary continued to read up until her very last days on Earth.

She was such a fantastic cook and baker. She also loved hosting. For over 30 years, she hosted an 'Open House' for our entire extended family every Christmas Eve where she would serve her famous appetizers and many beautiful Christmas cookies. In addition, she enjoyed hosting Mother's Day in the woods for the extended family, cooking made-to-order eggs on the open fire until everyone had their fill. Mary often baked cookies, pies (oh that rhubarb pie!), cakes, and made homemade donuts with her grandkids when they visited. We are so thankful that she passed down her cooking skills to the family so that her many exceptional recipes may live on.

She was quite fond of canaries, having many as pets over the years. Franzie the canary got fed more fresh celery than Beardstown has watermelons. She liked to go antiquing on the Spoon River Drive - especially for a good mustard covered corn dog, and also enjoyed sewing, cross-stich, birds, and travelling. Mary cherished her Irish heritage, transforming her home each year with festive St. Patrick's Day decorations (some

of these may have stayed out all year long). Years ago, that "Luck o' the Irish" led her to Ireland to visit the homeland of her ancestors.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and years ago, taught Sunday School there.

She loved her Pinochle Club friends with whom she and Harold made so many great memories for over 60 years. The family would like to thank her roommate and one of her very best friends, Nancee Rebman; also, Greg Rebman, Cristy Nordseik, Megan Zimny, and Mandi Ratay, who have kept a close eye on mom. The family would also like to express a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Beardstown Health & Rehab for the excellent care they have shown mom during her stay there - we have witnessed how much you all loved our mom, and we greatly appreciate you!

She had no regrets with her life. Her advice: 'Don't sweat the small stuff'. Mary hopes to be remembered for her kindness. Tough as nails, sweet as her own homemade raspberry jelly, and smart as a whip, she will be dearly missed. In her famous last words to everyone who visited: "YOU BE SAFE!"

Mary and Harold will be privately laid to rest together at Messerer Cemetery in Pleasant View with Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown handling arrangements. A Celebration of Life date is pending and will be announced shortly. We look forward to being reunited with her in Heaven's library someday.

Memorials have been suggested to the Beardstown Education Association, Penelope's Path (c/o Mickenzie Schaver), or the Beardstown Library. Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.