Mary Jane Neal, age 71, of Troy, Illinois passed away peacefully on September 16, 2024, at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on January 18, 1953, in Highland, Illinois.
Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Aloysius and Marie (nee Emig) Helldoerfer; a son, Ryan Neal, brother, Larry Helldoerfer; sister-in-law, Janet (nee Mersinger) Helldoerfer, sister, Barbara Dolosic, niece, Keri Helldoerfer, father-in-law, John “Jack” Neal, mother-in-law, Charlotte (nee Bell) Neal, and brother-in-law, Alvin Taylor.
Mary leaves behind her beloved husband, Michael Neal, with whom she shared nearly 50 years of marriage after their wedding on November 1, 1974. She is survived by her two daughters, Heather (Michael) Tiemann of Maryville and Kelly (Chad) VanRyn of Troy; her granddaughters, Kayleigh, Hannah and Makayla; one sister, Marilyn Taylor; and one brother, Gerard (Paula) Helldoerfer; nieces, nephews, cousins and many loving friends.
Mary’s kindness and dedication to her Catholic faith were evident throughout her life. She devoted herself to her family, friends, and especially her grandchildren. Her absence will be profoundly felt by her family and everyone who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Mary’s memory to either the American Cancer Society or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
