Marie Virginia Pope, 91, of Springfield, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023, at her home in Springfield. She was born Aug. 5, 1932, in Depue, Illinois, the daughter of Apolinar and Petra A. Alviso Gomez. Marie married James E. Pope on Feb. 4, 1956, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters and four brothers.

Marie graduated from Depue High School in 1950 and St. John's School of Nursing in 1953. She worked in the surgery department at St. John's Hospital, retiring in 1994 after 30 years of service.

She was a member of the Church of the Little Flower, Little Flower's St. Theresa Guild, UCT Capitol Council 95, Dominican Associates to Lay Dominicans and St. Louis DeMarilac. She was also a former member of the Cache Club and Serra Club.

Marie was wholeheartedly devoted to her Catholic faith, and she lived out her faith daily, demonstrating her love, faith and service to her church, her family and to others she met or helped. She loved spending time with her family, her church family and friends. She was a master gardener and enjoyed planting flowers and working in her yard and gardens.

Marie is survived by her husband, Jim, of Springfield; one son, Stephen G. (wife, Nancy) Pope, of Spartanburg, South Carolina; one daughter, Catherine Seals, of Windermere, Florida; two grandchildren, Chloe and Peyton Seals; one sister, Isabelle Ferrero, of Depue; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces and a great-great niece.

Marie's family will meet friends from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023, at the Church of the Little Flower in Springfield, with Rev. Allen Kemme officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Church of the Little Flower, 800 Stevenson Drive, Springfield, IL 62703 or to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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