Mary Evans Bereman, 89, passed away peacefully in her home on May 20, 2025.
Mary Evans spent a lively childhood growing up in Aurora, Illinois with her older sister Jean and many life long neighborhood friends on LeGrande Blvd. Shy but full of youthful shenanigans, Mary played plenty of pranks with her school mates at Freeman Elementary and then West Aurora High School, graduating in 1953.
She went on to attend the University of Iowa, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1957. Her studies took her abroad to Oslo, Norway, where she received additional specialized certifications in Nursing.
Mary began her professional career in Denver and then San Francisco, working in various hospitals. She later transitioned into public health nursing, which she loved. In 1963, Mary embarked on a year-long journey around the world, which reflected her adventurous spirit. Upon returning to Aurora, she worked as a pediatric nursing instructor at Copley Hospital. She met Robert Bereman and they married in the summer of 1965, in the chapel of Trinity Episcopal Church. The couple settled in Montgomery, Illinois, where they raised four children alongside the many dogs, cats and other wildlife that found their home there. Mary had an infectious charm and a magnetic personality that endeared her to all who knew her. She formed warm connections with people from all walks of life and was known for her lighthearted jokes and her many admirers.  Mary is the great-granddaughter of Senator H.H. Evans of Aurora. She was a devoted mother, loyal friend, and an enthusiastic—if not always on-key — singer. She was also a skilled home cook, particularly known for her legendary chocolate chip cookies. She brought laughter and music into every space she entered—often blasting opera or show tunes, watching endless band concerts and parades, and singing the fight song to her beloved Iowa Hawkeyes.  She had a particular fondness for dogs and was adored by animals of all kinds, who, like people, were drawn to her warmth, joy, and humor.
Mary Evans Bereman will be remembered with deep affection and love by all who had received the gift of knowing her.
She is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, Robert Bereman; her children, Joan Bereman (Nathan), Kathryn Bereman-Skelly (widow of John), Hank Bereman (Kathy), and Alice Bereman; six cherished grandchildren: Matthew and Daniel Bereman, and Julian, Eve, Hank, and Birdy Skelly, her nephew John Siebert (Kate) and niece Anne Siebert Teinowitz (Robert).
She was preceded in death by her sister, Jean Siebert, nephews Scott and Brian Siebert, and son-in-law John J. Skelly.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Animal Welfare League.