Obituary of Mary Walker Streitmatter

Speer – Mary Walker Streitmatter, wife of Vern Streitmatter, formerly of Speer, IL, passed away from natural causes on December 10, 2009, in Greenwich, CT.  She is survived by her daughter, Janice Streitmatter, her son-in-law, Larry Williams and her granddaughter, Courtney Streitmatter Williams.  She is predeceased by her husband, Vern Streitmatter, as well as a sister, Marjorie Christensen of Dillon, MT, brother-in-law, Russell Streitmatter, and sisters-in-law, Faye Streitmatter and Edith Martin.  Many of Mary’s forbearers, descendents of Cyrus Benson, are buried in the Colfax Cemetery. 

Mary was born on October 5, 1923, in Rand, CO, where her parents were homesteading.  Several years later the family returned to Chicago.  Mary received her BA from the University of Illinois where she met Vern.  They were married in 1944.  Their daughter was born in 1952.  The family moved to Greenwich, CT, in 1963.  Mary remained there until her death.  She and Vern were active in the Old Greenwich Yacht Club and the First Congregational Church.  Mary volunteered for 40 years at the Rummage Room, the thrift shop affiliated with her church.  Family tradition had it that treasures from the Rummage Room would find their way into Christmas stockings.   

Graveside burial of ashes will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 12, 2010, at Streitmatter Cemetery, rural Princeville, IL.  Rev. Mary Kathryn Pearce will officiate. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Cancer Society or ASPCA.  Hammitt-Hott Funeral Home, Princeville, is in charge of local arrangements.

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