Mary Jean Tanke (nee Pierson), 86, of Crown Point,  born on January 25, 1927 in Princeton, IL, to Elspeth Lorraine (Winship) Pierson and Wilbur Edward Pierson, passed away Saturday, February 23, 2013.

She is survived by her children, Stephanie, John (Valerie); two grandsons, Matthew and Michael; Mary Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Kenneth Charles Tanke, her parents and brother, Bill Pierson.

Her education includes: graduation from Princeton High School, attended Northwestern University and received her nursing certificate from St. Luke’s School of Nursing in Chicago. Mary Jean was a life-long advocate of children. She was a devoted mother and grandmother active in the following activities with her family: Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Indian Guides, Job’s Daughters and DeMolay. She also was a member of the Eastern Star and White Shrine. During her career she worked at hospitals, nursing homes, Inland Steel Mill Clinic, as well as 40 years of service with the Gary Community School Corporation.

A memorial gathering will take place on Monday, February 25, 2013 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point with a short service following at 7:00 p.m.  Burial will be at the Oakland Cemetery in Princeton, IL. In honor of her memory, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Service details, Social networking, Memorial Guestbook and Slideshow are available here.