Mary Taran

Mary Taran, 94, of Georgetown, Illinois passed away on September 3, 2023 at Hawthorne Inn Memory Care, Danville, Illinois. Mary was born July 23, 1929 in Hoopeston, Illinois to Ray and Dorothy Whitaker. She married Raymond Taran on May 23, 1948. He died March 2, 2003. She later remarried Vance Pearson. He died June 12, 2017. 

Mary was also preceded in death by her parents, her sister Margaret Darr and her sons-in-law, David Greth and Phil Shelato.

She is survived by her daughters, Janina Greth, Cincinnati, Ohio and Ginger Shelato, Smyrna Tennessee; her grandchildren, Taryn (Nick) Barker, Parker Shelato, Phil (Mary) Shelato and Meredith (Nick) Sturgeon; great grandchildren, Liam, Preston, Logan, Weston, Gwendolyn, Grayson and Izzy; her sisters; Belva (Al) Morris and Jo Pearson, special long-time friend and neighbor, Frances Ellis and several nieces and nephews.

Mary was raised on a farm in Georgetown and attended Georgetown Schools. She graduated from Udderback Brown Business College and was secretary for Kenneth Bentley her entire career. She was a member of Catlin Church of Christ, BPW of Danville, and active in the Georgetown Senior Center. She enjoyed line dancing, walking and volunteered at the Georgetown Fair every year. She loved working in her yard, attending any event at Forest Glen and playing Euchre.

Brad Watson at Watson Cremation Services, Danville, is assisting the family with arrangements. Private graveside services will be held at Georgetown Cemetery and the family will host a Celebration of Life Open House at Turtle Run Golf Club on September 23 from 12:30-2:30pm. Memorial contributions can be made to Danville Humane Society or Forest Glen Preserve.

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