Mary Jane Sims (Coursey) passed away peacefully
surrounded by family in her home in Park Ridge,
Illinois on January 17, 2022. Mary was born on June
23, 1929, in Chicago to Daniel and Katheryn
(Murray) Coursey and was 92 years young when
she passed. Mary Jane wed William (Bill) Sims on
March 22, 1952, and they were married for 69
wonderful years. Mary worked as an elementary
school teacher and a homemaker. She loved her
family, camping, world travel, and being in nature.
She was an outstanding role model for her children,
grandchildren, and great grandchildren based on her
many examples of a life lived with honesty, hard
work, generosity, and love. After being released
from the hospital, her heart was overflowing with
gratitude to be back home surrounded by loved ones
and reunited with her husband, the love of her life.
Mary was preceded in death by her son Daniel,
daughter-in-law Ann, sister Betty Lou Keefe, and
many beloved friends and family members. She is
survived by her loving husband, Bill; children Beverly
(James) Stanis, Sharon Gongaware, and Steve
(Julie) Sims; 12 grandchildren, James Jr., Ronald,
Allison (Stanis) Kohlbrenner, Michael, and Shannon Stanis;
Walter, William, and Grant Sims;
Michael and Jeffrey Gongaware; Alex and Nick
Sims; 8 great grandchildren, Amelie, Ivy, and
Sigmund Stanis; Angelina Stanis; Jack Kohlbrenner
Wesley and Hallie Sims; and Athena Sims; and
life-long friends.
The family will welcome friends for visitation from 10
a.m.-12 p.m., Friday, January 21, 2022, at Nelson
Funeral Home, 820 Talcott Road, Park Ridge,
followed by a service at noon. Immediately following,
Mary will be laid to rest at Town of Maine Cemetery,
2101 West Touhy Ave, Park Ridge.
Flowers are welcomed; alternatively memorial
donations may be sent to Mary's favorite charity, St.
Labre Indian School, Ashland, MT 59003;
stlabre.org. https://www.stlabre.org/