Mary E. Barton, 77, of Galesburg, died peacefully at home, in the warm embrace of her loving daughter and her favorite stuffed animals, her “lovies”.
She was born February 10, 1948, in Galesburg, the daughter of Paul and Alma Betty (Horn) Sweeney. She married Kenny G. Barton on December 10, 1967, in Galesburg. He preceded her in death on May 22, 2022, after nearly 55 years of marriage.
She is survived by two daughters, Jane Barton of Brookfield, Wisconsin, and Angela Barton of Galesburg; five grandchildren, Alexandria Barton-Perez, Grace (Caleb) Smith, David Holzem, Beatrice Laufer, and Jonathan Laufer; a great grandson, Canaan Smith; a brother, Patrick Sweeney of Columbus, Missouri; a sister, Loretta Sweeney of Galesburg; and Kenny’s family, her in-laws, Crystal Moore of East Galesburg, Garry and Tammy Barton of Galesburg, and Russell Barton of Galesburg. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Paul Jr. “Mickey”; and a sister, Kathy Andre.
Mary was raised and educated in Galesburg, where she attended Costa Catholic School and was homecoming queen in 1966, the year she graduated. She then attended the Galesburg practical nursing program, worked as an LPN and concentrated on caring for her family, especially her grandbabies, who she babysat for. In her early 50’s, she went on to further her nursing career and education by pursuing her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee.
She was of Catholic faith and was a member of St. Patrick’s Church and Immaculate Heart of Mary while living in Galesburg.
Mary and Kenny were dedicated to fitness. Mary was particularly fond of jogging and aerobics. She will be remembered for her love of “Walker, Texas Ranger”.
Visitation will be 1 to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral and Cremation Services. Funeral service will follow at 1:30 p.m. with Deacon Michael Crummer officiating. Burial will be in East Linwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences and memories may be shared on the funeral home’s website at www.h-p-w.com.
