of Dexter, MI, age 91, passed away December 30th 2013 after a brief illness. She was born May 19th 1922, the daughter of Owen C and Helen Rosanna (Clow) Crego in Aurora, Illinois.
Mary atte
nded White School, a one room country school in Wheatland Township, C M Bardwell in Aurora and graduated with honors from East Aurora High School. She was active in debate, theater, and played violin in orchestra. As a young child she enjoyed her time at the Crego farm on Lake St in North Aurora and with her grandparents on their farm in Wheatland Township. She was also active in 4 H and won numerous awards for her needlepoint and sewing projects, some of which went on to competition at the Illinois State Fair. After high school, Mary attended the University of Illinois majoring in Fine Arts and English. After graduation she enrolled at William and Mary earning a degree in occupational therapy and the joined the Women’s Army Training Corps. While working with returning WW2 soldiers at Percy Jones hospital in Battle Creek MI, she met Paul Haldane Peltcs and they were wed on Feb 21st 1948 at her mother’s home in Plainfield, Illinois. They enjoyed more than 65 years together. Mary worked for the Jackson County Crippled Children’s Society and as an English and Art teacher in Jackson, MI public schools. Living at Clear Lake near Waterloo, MI for many years, she enjoyed water activities, swimming and fishing with her sons. Mary was a 60-year member of Salem Grove Methodist Church, and was active as a Sunday and Bible School teacher. She served in different capacities of church leadership over the years. When her children were in elementary school, she was a room mother in their classrooms and was a supporter of their 4H and Chelsea fair activities. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who always took care of her family. She enjoyed spending the special time with her grandchildren who she cherished always. Mary worked as Director of Occupational Therapy at Mercywood Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI for more than 20 years. She was interested in family history and was a member of Daughters of the American Revolution chapter in Jackson, MI.
Surviving her is her husband Paul H Peltcs, sons William Owen [Nancy] Peltcs of Tecumseh, MI, and Thomas Martin [Dana] Peltcs of Tecumseh MI; three grandchildren, Andrew and Caroline Peltcs of Tecumseh, MI and Martin [Ashley] Peltcs of Livonia, MI; a niece and nephew; and sister in-law Eleanor Crego of Colfax, IL. She was preceded in death by her brother Thomas Floyd Crego.
Funeral services were held Saturday, January 4, 11:00 am at Salem Grove United Methodist Church, Grass Lake, with Pastor Christine M. Beaudoin officiating. The family received friends at Cole Funeral Chapel Friday 2-4 & 6-8 pm and at the church Saturday 10-11 am. Burial was at Wheatland Cemetery on 104th St near Naperville, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to Salem Grove United Methodist Church, 3320 Notten Rd, Grass Lake, MI 49240.