Mary Genevieve “Candy” Kawula, 96, of Granite City, Illinois passed away at 2:17 a.m. on Monday, September 3, 2018 at The Fountains in Granite City.
She was born November 15, 1921 in Akron, Ohio, a daughter of the late Paul and Mary (Winterberger) Kanady. She married Michael Kawula on June 1, 1946 at the Niedringhaus United Methodist Church in Granite City and he passed away on December 20, 1970.
She retired from the Granite City School District #9 after many years of service as a secretary and had previously worked at Gliks Department Store. She had also volunteered her time at Gateway Regional Medical Center with over 30 years of service.
Mary was an active and dedicated member of Nameoki United Methodist Church where she was a founding member and served as a Sunday school teacher. She enjoyed her days of bowling, playing cards and line dancing with her “Wild Old Women” group. She will be remembered for the love and special times shared with her family and friends.
She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Patricia and Sheldon Buschel of Portland, Oregon; a sister, Pauline Wasiski of Collinsville; her loving extended family of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren; many nieces; nephews; other family and special friends. In addition to her beloved husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Michael Paul Kawula and a brother, Lawrence Kanady.
In celebration of her life, visitation will be at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City on Thursday, September 6, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at Nameoki United Methodist Church, 1900 Pontoon Road in Granite City on Friday, September 7, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. until time of funeral service at 10:00 a.m. with Reverend Mike Rayson officiating.
Burial will follow at Sunset Hill Memorial Estates in Glen Carbon.
Memorials may be made to Nameoki United Methodist Church and may be accepted at the funeral home.
