Mary Francella Robeck

Mary Francella Robeck, 84, of Danville, passed away on May 14, 2021 at her home with her family. She was born in Danville on October 29, 1937, the daughter of Wilbur Eaton (Dick) and Mary Marcella Keenan.

Mary is survived by her beloved husband of 65 years, Raymond Henry Robeck; children, Theresa Mary Robeck, Raymond James Robeck, Elizabeth (Brad) (Robeck) Keilholz, Richard John Robeck, Robert J. (Andy Schell) Robeck; grandchildren, Adam Robeck, Katrina (Keilholz) Hecker, Alex Keilholz, Mandi Keilholz, Erica Burke; siblings, Dr. Francis Keenan, and Emma Jean (Keenan) Mahoney.

She is preceded in death by her parents and daughter, Marcella Jayne Robeck.

Mary graduated from St. Patricks grade school and Schlarman High School in 1955, where she was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1990 for her extensive fund-raising efforts.

She and husband, Ray, were married on June 23, 1956 at St. Pauls Church and have been long standing members of the St. Pauls community since. Mary served on the Parish Council and for many years, with the help of her mother and husband, organized the after mass coffee and donuts. All of their six children graduated from St. Pauls Grade School.

While dating the couple loved to roller skate at the Illini Roller Rink, were excellent pair skaters, and years later stunned their children by boogie skating during St.Pauls skate nights. In the early years of their marriage the couple took ballroom dancing lessons at the American Legion and she loved to attend any event that would involve any type of dancing, especially weddings.

Mary loved singing, especially all of the Catholic hymns during mass, and after retirement, was a member of the Sweet Adelines for many years. She also sang in several musicals at Kathryn Randolph Theater in Danville.

She loved to travel and kept lists of states and places visited. Visiting the Vatican during a 2007 trip to Rome, Italy was often sited as her favorite.

Euchre Club and playing cards was a lifelong hobby and all of her grandchildren remember her teaching them to play the game.

Mary worked as the Chief U.S. Probation Clerk for the Central District of Illinois, where she retired after 27 years of service to the Federal Department of Corrections.

Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, Illinois, 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Illinois 61834 is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorial donations may be made in Marys name to Schlarman Academy.

Please join Marys family in sharing memories and photos on her tribute wall at

www.sunsetfuneralhome.com