Mary Ann Pettigrew

Danville, IL– Mary Ann Pettigrew, 93, of Danville passed away at 3:20 PM on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at Hawthorne Inn of Danville. She was born December 30, 1931 in Danville to John R. and Sarah J. (Dudley) Pettigrew.

She is survived by her brother, James J. (Marilyn) Pettigrew, and her sister, Dorothy Schingel; brother-in-law Dale Shannon; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, John R. Pettigrew, Jr. and Thomas W. Pettigrew; four sisters, Sally (Jack) Strahl, Elizabeth Shannon, Geraldine (Bob) Winland and Patricia A. Pettigrew; and brother-in-law Bill Schingel.

Mary Ann attended St. Patrick’s Grade School and was a member of the first graduating class of Schlarman High School. She then earned her nursing degree from the St. Francis School of Nursing in Peoria. Mary Ann had a prolific career in nursing that included time at St. Francis Hospital in Peoria, as well as being a Courier Nurse at the Santa Fe Railroad, Assistant Head Nurse at Stanford in Palo Alto, Nursing Supervisor for Aramco Oil Company in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia and Nursing Supervisor at the VA Medical Center in Danville. She was also a past member of the ANA, Nurses Organization of VA, and the Illinois Nurses Association.

Aside from her career, Mary Ann was a Master Gardener and a member of the Danville Garden Club. She enjoyed playing tennis and belonged to the Danville Tennis Club.

Mary Ann loved to spend time with her family and also enjoyed foreign travel. For many years, she was very active in her Rabbittown neighborhood focusing on beautification. One of her favorite projects was working on the Discovery Garden at Douglas Park.

She was a true animal lover, sharing her home with dogs and cats throughout her life. She also took great pleasure in feeding the birds, always ensuring they had plenty of food and clean water.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Mary Ann Pettigrew will be held at 11 AM Friday, March 14, 2025 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Danville. Father Narcis Katambe will officiate. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. A brief visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:30-11 AM prior to the Mass on Friday, also at Holy Family Catholic Church. Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL 61834 has been entrusted with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church or to her favorite animal charity- C.A.R.A. (Citizens Animal Rescue and Adoption), or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Please join Mary’s family in sharing memories, photos, and video of her life through her Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.