Mary Southard

Mary M. Southard, 77, of Rockford, died January 13, 2022, at home following a brave and hard fought battle with cancer. Her daughters, Emily and Anne, were by her side in her final moments.

Mary was born in Minneapolis, MN, on December 30, 1944 to Edward and Florence (Wall) Marti. She was the only daughter among five brothers. Mary married her devoted husband of 49 years, John Southard, on July 2, 1966, in Norwood, MA. Mary grew up in the New England area, and received her Undergraduate Degree from the University of Massachusetts. She later received her Master’s Degree in Special Education from Rockford College.

Mary and John moved to Illinois where they started their family. Mary worked for the Rockford Public Schools for 31 years, serving primarily at the Rosecrance campus. She was well known for her patience and compassion for teaching troubled youth. Mary was an avid quilter and made over 200 quilts, taking pride that they were all hand quilted. She loved making baby quilts, and in return all she asked for was a picture of the baby on the quilt. Mary was passionate about reading and having conversations with others, especially her grandsons. Mary traveled throughout the country with her husband, visiting all 50 states, which included driving to Alaska twice. Mary was an avid gardener. She enjoyed sitting outside with a book, admiring her plants and flowers, and watching the birds.

Mary was devoted to her family. She always thought about others and putting their needs before her own, even in her final days. Mary will truly be missed by her daughters, Emily (David) Towle, Anne Southard; grandchildren, Rod, Mason, Aaron, and Dylan; great-grandchildren, Reagan and Sophia; brothers Mike (Gerlinde), Joe, Jeff (Ryoko), and Matthew Marti; and nieces and nephews. Mary is predeceased by her parents, her husband, and her brother, John.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be planned for sometime late Spring. Memorials can be made in Mary’s honor to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, or Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary.