PAWNEE — Mary Louise Catteau, 90, of Pawnee, Illinois, passed away Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, at HSHS St. John's Hospital in Springfield, surrounded by her family. She was born in Pawnee on Dec. 30, 1933, to Senei and Catherine Pacotti Catteau. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Blanche Catteau; her brothers, Senei Catteau Jr. and infant brother Joseph Catteau; and a nephew, Michael August Catteau Jr.

Mary Louise graduated from Pawnee High School in 1953 and was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pawnee and later Holy Cross Parish in Auburn. She also was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America and Pawnee Area Catholic Women United. She was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and loved to watch them on TV.

She retired from St. John's School of Nursing (now St. John's College of Nursing) in June 2001 after 50 years of service. She began working there when she was 17 years old. During her career, she worked as the secretary for three different directors, Sr. Frances Cook, Sr. Agnes McDougall and Jane Schatsiek. She had a very good memory and could remember students' names and the year they graduated. She made lasting relationships with everyone she worked with at St. John's. Mary Louise was always ready to help her friends, neighbors and aunts, taking them where they needed to go or just out to eat at a restaurant.

She is survived by her siblings, Josephine Catteau and Michael (wife, Mindy) Catteau, both of Pawnee; nieces, Michelle Ann Catteau of Springfield and Stephanie Michelle (husband, Todd) Catteau-Cummings of Pawnee; great-nieces, Reeve (husband, Zach) Goode of Rockbridge and Autumn, August and Audrey Cummings of Pawnee; and a great-great niece, Lainey Goode. She also is survived by numerous cousins on the Catteau and Pacotti sides of the family. She was a wonderful lady and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Mary Louise's family will meet friends from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, at Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee. A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Auburn, with Rev. James Palakudy officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Pawnee.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pawnee Calvary Cemetery, c/o Holy Cross Parish, P.O. Box 168, Auburn, IL 62615-0168 or the Pawnee Food Pantry, P.O. Box 304, Pawnee, IL 62558.

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