Mary Jane Shanks

Mary Jane Shanks, age 90, of Cherry Valley, Illinois, passed away Saturday, January 9, 2021. She was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme, an aggressive brain cancer, on December 5, 2020. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family in the home they shared.

Mary Jane was born on July 14, 1930, the only child of Joseph and Mafalda Lungo. A graduate of Muldoon High School and Northern Illinois University, she was a retired school teacher. During her retirement years she enjoyed bowling. She was also a competitive card player, participating in many bridge groups throughout the years. Most recently she loved playing Canasta with her family, so much so that her grandsons started bringing their friends over to her house for a “friendly” game. She also taught her family how to cook lasagne, soup, chili, homemade pizza and bread. Oh, how we loved to cook! Her legacy will live on. La sua eredita vive!

Mary Jane is survived by her three children, Stacie (Kevin) Olson, Vanessa Luongo (Kerry) and Clark (Becki) Shanks; her four grandchildren, Jessica (Tony), Zachary (Stephanie), Spencer (Erin) and David (Valerie); she is also survived by her precious great-grandchildren, Xander, Charlotte, Piper, Harrison and Carson; baby Leonna, due in March, and her two step-great-grandchildren, Allie and Ian; also, cousins, Tom and Sue Rotello, Cheri and Rick Venturi, Lydia (Mary Anne) Marinelli. Predeceased by her parents Joseph and Mafalda; aunt Lee and uncle Tony Rotello, aunt Anna and uncle Ernie Marinelli. Although an only child, lifelong “sisters” also predeceased her: Laura Marconi, Toni Cassioppi, Angela Triolo and Sylvia Flint (Marinelli).

A private family burial will take place for Mary Jane at Greenwood Cemetery in Rockford, Illinois. In lieu of flowers please donate in her name to support Women in Science at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Donations may be made online at https://mcwsupport.mcw.edu/makeagift. When making your donation, please select “other” under “Gift Designation” and write “Women in Science, in honor of Mary Jane Shanks." To send online condolences, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com