Mary Joan McIlvaine, age 84, of Manhattan, passed away June 22, 2024. She was born May 26, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan, daughter of the late William F and Margaret W Marsh. Along with her parents, she was proceeded in death by her sister Margaret Bates and brother William Marsh.
Joan was a special education teacher at Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson Schools for many years. In 1999, she was nominated for Master Teacher of the year. While raising her children, she was actively involved with the Manhattan Marlins swim team, Manhattan High Football and Cross-Country teams. Upon her retirement, she volunteered her time with Wounded Warriors, Shepherd’s Crossing, Seven Dolors Catholic Church, and was actively involved in the Little Apple Pilot group. Joan was a member of NEA of Manhattan, Pilot International, and Kansas Big Brothers/Big Sisters. She served as President of Big Brothers Big Sisters, Little Apple Pilot Club and Shepherd’s Crossing. In 2022, she was nominated for Distinguished Volunteer of the Year for the Greater Manhattan Community. Her joy throughout her life was found in her faith. Joan was an active member of the Seven Dolors Catholic Church and lived in the Manhattan community for over 50 years.
Joan is survived by her children and their spouses, Joseph and Sue McIlvaine, Douglas and Amy McIlvaine, and Andrew and Angie McIlvaine; and grandchildren, Kaylee Marusarz (Brian), Amanda McIlvaine, Sarah McIlvaine, Ryan McIlvaine (Miranda), Lauren McIlvaine, Chace McIlvaine, Mary McIlvaine, and Cade McIlvaine.
The family will greet friends during a visitation on Monday, July 8, 2024 from 6 until 7:30 p.m. with the Rosary following at 7:30 p.m. at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, July 9 at 10:00 a.m. at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Manhattan. Interment will be held at Sunrise Cemetery. There will be a luncheon following interment at Seven Dolors Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Shepherd’s Crossing, 621 Humboldt St., Manhattan KS 66502 or Seven Dolors Catholic Church, 731 Pierre, Manhattan KS 66502. Contributions may also be sent in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.