Springfield — Marcia Ann Strow, MSN, RN, 66, of Springfield, Illinois, lost a hard-fought battle with cancer (uterine carcinosarcoma) at home with her family by her side on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024. She was born Dec. 16, 1957, in Waukegan, Illinois, the daughter of Ted K. Pickard and Delores M. Kurwicki. Marcia was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Emily Strow; a sister, Cathy Straube; and a brother, Gerald (Jerry) Straube Jr.

Marcia is survived by her son, Andrew Strow (companion, Kimberly Brown), of Springfield; her daughter, Meredith Strow (husband, Daniel Reifenberger), of Springfield; son-in-law, Jason Stiner (companion, Shelby Young), of Mount Pulaski; grandson, James Stiner, of Mount Pulaski; granddaughter, Elizabeth Strow, of Springfield; four sisters, Lisa Stolte (companion, Elmer Walker) of Springfield, Laura (husband, Michael) Glenn of Fults, Dee (husband, James) Smith of Springfield and Teddie (husband, Charles) Radcliffe of Paducah, Kentucky; sister-in-law, JoAnne Straube, of Memphis, Nebraska; ex-husband, Brian Strow, of Springfield; special friends, Carolyn and Kevin Ramey of Springfield; and many loving cousins, nieces and nephews.

Marcia graduated from Auburn High School in 1976 and St. John's School of Nursing's Class of 1979. She also graduated from Springfield College in Illinois, and she went on to obtain a master's degree in nursing from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville while working full time and raising her children. She worked as a staff nurse in Psych and ICU at St. John's Hospital. As she progressed in her nursing career, she moved into a nursing educator position in the Cardio-Pulmonary Unit where she worked for several years. She touched the lives of many patients as well as many young nurses as she helped to educate them in their new role as a staff nurse. Marcia taught many classes related to cardiac disease, treatment and cardiac monitoring. As St. John's switched patient care computer systems, Marcia was instrumental in this implementation, serving in a leadership role. She met with physicians and nurses extensively during this transition. Her excellent work was recognized by others, and she moved to HSHS' corporate office and was responsible for the implementation, education and maintenance of the patient care computer system in all of HSHS' hospitals. Marcia retired as a director in 2020 after serving 45 years in the healthcare industry.

After retiring, Marcia continued to serve as a nurse for the Sangamon County Department of Public Health during COVID-19, and she was able to travel and enjoy more time with her children, grandson and two Labradoodles (Jessie and Libby). She was also a board member of the Zonta Club of Springfield which advances the status of women through service and advocacy. Marcia loved hosting family gatherings, gardening and yardwork, Longaberger baskets, Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley. She was known as a mother figure to many in addition to her children. Her intelligence, wisdom, patience, empathy and kindness will be remembered by all who were lucky enough to know her. Marcia was loved immensely and will be dearly missed.

Cremation rites will be accorded. A celebration of life gathering will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Erin's Pavilion at Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St., Springfield, IL 62703.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the St. John's College of Nursing Marcia Strow Endowment Fund. Gifts to St. John's College of Nursing can be sent to 3051 Hollis Drive, Springfield, IL 62704, or made online at www.hshs.org/StJohnsCollege/Give?utm_campaign=il-con-fd-class-agent&utm_medium=url-in-print&utm_source=mail. Please indicate the gift is in memory of Marcia Strow.

Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee is serving the family of Marcia Strow. Online condolences may be expressed at www.curryfh.com.