Mary Berniece Cleland

Mary Berniece Cleland died peacefully at home on November 25, 2021. She is predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Joseph Edward Cleland; her siblings Paul Engelhardt, Karl Engelhardt, Katherine Young, and Pauline Birdsell; and daughter-in-law, Jenifer Cleland.

Born in Champaign, Illinois on February 24, 1930 to John and Theresa Joanna Engelhardt née Kaiser, Mary is survived by her children Deborah (Rodney) Gordon, Susan (David) Heller, Thomas Cleland, Tracy (Drake) Wikoff, and Nancy (Christopher) Manella; nine grandchildren, Alexandra Heller, Zachary Heller, Joseph Cleland, Sarah Cleland, Alexander Wikoff, Kyle (Randa) Wikoff, Elizabeth (Jonathan) Grim, Caroline Manella, and Allison Manella; and five great-grandchildren, Emmelyn, Bennett, and Jackson Grim and Preston and Mariana Wikoff.

Fondly referred to as “Niecie” by her loved ones, Mary enjoyed gardening and was an avid reader. Mary had a deep love for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by family and friends.

There will be a small service for family members only, and a private burial will take place at East Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Crisis Nursery and Eastern Illinois Food Bank.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.