Mary J. (Perkins) Majerus

Mary Josephine Majerus, 86, of Ottawa, was called to her Heavenly Home on Sunday, December 5, 2021 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was surrounded by her family at her home in Wallace Township. A mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 am on Monday, December 13 at St. Columba Church, with Rev. David Kipfer officiating. Visitation will be from 2 until 4 pm on Sunday, December 12 at Ottawa Funeral Home. Burial will be in Ottawa Avenue Cemetery. Born on May 27, 1935 in Knifley, KY, Mary was one of eight children of the late Ezra and Gertie (Mills) Perkins. She was united in marriage to Lawrence S. Majerus on July 4, 1963; they were married for 51 wonderful years before his passing on May 28, 2015.

Those blessed to know Mary remember her most for her love of family and how much she enjoyed spending time with them; whether it be in person, on the phone, or via FaceTime. A woman of many creative talents, including knitting, she was a member of the Loop Group Knitting Circle. Mary was a member of St. Columba Church and a member of the VFW Ladies’ Auxiliary. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother and will be dearly missed by her family. She is survived by nine children, Leo (Julie) Majerus of FL, Michael Majerus of NV, Diane Harrison of AZ, Ed (Janice) Goetz of IL, Char Bragg of IL, Marcella (Keith) Franks of IN, Jim (Erin) Majerus of IL, Len (Tina) Goetz of IL, and Larry (Jackie) Majerus of IL; 24 grandchildren; 53 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, two brothers, Phillip and Daniel Perkins; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry; one son, Johnnie Goetz; one daughter, Donna Burden; two sisters, Laverne Fleetwood and Marjorie Robinson; three brothers, Dewey, Dale and Keith Perkins; three grandchildren, Timmy Burden, Jeremiah Carlock, and Mike Majerus; and two great-grandchildren, Ian Majerus and Edward J Kappelman.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any gifts to be directed to the American Cancer Society or St. Columba Church.