MaryJean K. McCallister

MaryJean Kathleen McCallister (Bargren), lovingly known as MJ, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on May 6, 2025, at Carle Hospital. She was born on November 13, 1978, at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois.

MJ was a devoted registered dietitian at Carle Hospital, where she dedicated her career to helping people live healthier, fuller lives. Her desire to help others extended far beyond her profession- she was a fierce advocate for causes she believed in and strived to ensure every voice was heard.

MaryJean loved her children with a devoted, fierce love. What made MJ the happiest was gifting them with her time and attention. Movie nights, tennis in the driveway, and “quick” trips to Walmart, (which never ended up being quick because she always would find a “new” friend). MJ was not short on words and quick stories turned into 45 minute phone calls and dropping something off turned into long drive-way conversations. She sure loved to talk and made sure everyone felt cherished and important.

MaryJean’s smile, vibrant energy, and warm spirit lit up every room she entered. She loved watching her family at softball, baseball, volleyball, dance, and basketball. At events she never met a stranger. MJ went around and talked to everyone, and every child had a snack and a bag full of toys to be entertained. She embodied compassion, honesty, and generosity- always lifting others up and making everyone feel welcome and loved.

Her willingness to help and support everyone kept her busy as she made sure to spend time with her parents and family across the street and help with neighborhood dogs. She was always up for a spontaneous adventure with her bag of snacks. She adored her dogs Max and Josie and spent countless hours researching how best to care for them. She found joy in giving, often surprising, loved ones with thoughtful gifts and small acts of kindness. Her excitement for spontaneous adventures often led to “getting lost” and loads of silly laughter. She loved the holidays and decorating her house for Halloween and Christmas with an over-abundance of blow ups. Her joyful spirit and funny personality will forever be missed.

MJ is survived by her loving parents, Gerald and Jean Bargren; her husband Mark McCallister; 3 amazing children, EmmiLynne, Lucas, and AnnaLena. She is also survived by her siblings Corinne Greist, Hutha (Bob) Hicks, Jon (Michelle) Bargren, Lydia (David) Skoog, James Bargren, and Peter (Pam) Bargren, along with numerous cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Those who knew MJ will remember her as honest, caring, and deeply supportive. She had the gift of making others feel seen, heard, and valued. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A visitation will be held at Christian Life Church in 300 N. Maplewood Dr., Rantoul, IL on Friday, May 16, from 4:00-7:00pm and an additional hour of visitation on Saturday, May 17, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m., with burial at Elmwood Cemetery.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to the doctors and nurses in the Critical Care Unit at Carle Hospital for their outstanding care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lurie Children’s Hospital, an organization close to the McCallister Family, in support of continuing care for children with serious illnesses.

MaryJean will forever be missed by all who knew her- because to her, no one was ever a stranger. Her giving spirit lives on through those she loved and those who will benefit from her final act of generosity of tissue and organ donation through the Gift of Hope.

Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center’s Lux Chapel, 1551 E. Grove Ave. Rantoul, IL 61866, is honored to assist the family with funeral arrangements.

Please join MaryJean’s family in sharing memories, pictures, or videos on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com