Auburn — Mary E. Berndt, 63, of Auburn, Illinois, formerly of Pawnee, died Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield. Mary was born Jan. 19, 1957, in Springfield, the daughter of Alfred L. and Anna M. Ahlers Berndt. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother-in-law, Louie Plummer. Mary attended several schools as a child. She grew up in Pawnee but later moved to Auburn. She spent her free time making potholders and loved to cuddle with her pug, Zoey. Mary is survived by one brother, Melvin (wife, Elane) Berndt, of Williamsville; one sister, Sandra Plummer, of Auburn; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. A visitation will be held at 11 a.m. until the time of a funeral service at noon on Monday, Sept. 21, 2020, at Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee. Rev. Martha Searcy will officiate. Burial will follow at Horse Creek Cemetery in Pawnee. Illinois COVID-19 guidelines will be followed, including wearing masks and observing social distancing. Memorials honoring Mary may be made to the charity of your choice. Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee is serving the family of Mary Berndt. Online condolences may be expressed at www.curryfh.com.