Obituaries
Mary Ann Tilton
August 22, 1943 - March 11, 2025
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VISITATION
March 21, 2025 | 3:00 - 7:00 P.M. -
Yurs Funeral Home
405 East Main Street
St. Charles, Illinois - Memorial Service
- March 22, 2025 | 10:00 A.M.
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Yurs Funeral Home
405 East Main Street
St. Charles, Illinois -
Burial Location
Private
Mary Ann Tilton, 81, longtime resident of St. Charles, died Tuesday March 11, 2025, surrounded by family at Edward Hospital in Naperville.
Mary Ann was born to John and Dorothy Suter on August 22, 1943 in Elmhurst, Illinois. She grew up in Decatur, Illinois and earned a Bachelor degree from Millikin University where she was a proud member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority. She earned a Master of Science in Education degree from Northern Illinois. On April 4, 1970, Mary Ann was united in marriage to John G. Tilton, Jr. Together they had three sons, David, Brent and Eric.
As an education professional, Mary Ann was a gifted English teacher and an extraordinary leader, serving as Fine Arts Department Head at St. Charles (East) High School, co-chair of the St. Charles High School North Central Committee and later as Assistant Principal of St. Charles East.
Upon retirement, after over 30 years of service throughout School District 303, Mary Ann continued service with many community organizations. She was an active member and President of Golden Kiwanis for many years and in 2014 she was honored as Kiwanian of the Year for her tireless efforts with fundraising and program development. As a member of the 100 Women Who Care organization, she contributed to many worthy community activities. She was also a member of the St. Charles Library Foundation, serving as President for several years. In addition to her leadership, she was instrumental in organizing the Books and Brunch fundraiser which helped raise funds to enhance library programs and services for the community. She served on the board at Fine Line Creative Arts Center for several years as a director and as a member of the development committee. Additionally, she was active with the Norris Cultural Arts Center. Not one to grandstand or seek out municipal awards but active, sociable, serious, liberal-minded, helpful and optimistic.
Mary Ann is survived by her sons, David (Sarah), Brent and Eric (Abbey); her granddaughter, Hazel; her brother, Jack, and many loving nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband John; and her sister Susie.
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Peg O’Connor from Chicago, IL
"Mary Ann was an extremely organized yet creative woman. She was a dear longtime friend who led a full and productive, sharing life. She will be so missed."
Penny Walsh from St. Charles, IL
"I remember her bright smile from checking out books to her at the library and her valuable work with this St. Charles Library Foundation. Wonderful woman."
Matt Hanson from Campton Hills, IL
"Eric, Dave, and Brent I have many fond memories of both of your parents. Wishing you all peace and love."
Kathi OBrien from St. Charles, IL
"I first met Mary Ann when she was Miss Suter, she was one of my favorite teachers at Haines Junior High (1966-1968). She instilled in me a love of writing and literature that lives on today. I’m sure she impacted countless students with her kindness and intellect and passion for teaching. She was an active and wonderful contributor to her community. Condolences to her family. She will be missed."
Sandra Wright from St. Charles, IL
"I worked with Mary Ann at St. Charles High School for several years and became friends who shared the love of language, writing and literature. She was an exceptional teacher who inspired her students, a strong and principled leader and a good friend. She loved her boys and was so very proud of them. Condolences to all of you who love her."