Mary Agnes Ronan

Mary Agnes Ronan, age 89, of Breese, formerly of Chattanooga, TN passed away on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at her daughters home in Breese, surrounded by her family. Mary was born on December 14, 1926 in East St. Louis, IL, she was the daughter of Peter and Agnes (Murphy) Joergensen. She married Lloyd E. Smith who preceded her in death in 1987, and later married Norman Ronan, who also preceded her in death in 2004.

Mrs. Ronan was also preceded in death by her parents, her son: Roger S. Smith; her granddaughter, Nicole Howe; two sisters: Clara A. Cadell and Margaret J. Roberts; three brothers: Leo P. Joergensen, Robert G. Joergensen, and Lawrence J. Joergensen.

Survivors include her children: James Smith of Franklin, TN, Sandra (Carlos) Hill of Breese, Merci (Donald) Howe of Tallapoosa, GA, and Michael Smith of Deland, FL; two brothers: Peter Joergensen, Jr. and Daniel (Judy) Joergensen both of Belleville; five grandchildren: Laura Smith, Travis (Kristina) Howe, Charity (Todd) Helton, James Knight, and Samantha Smith; five great grandchildren: Leesa Smith, Nicholas Howe, Nathan Howe, Phoenix Knight, and Ella Helton.

Mary attended St. Teresa's Academy High School in East St. Louis. She was a member of the church choir for many years. Some of her talents Included quilting, pottery, cooking, and crocheting. Mrs. Ronan lived in Chattanooga, TN for many years before moving back to the Breese area to be closer to family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at St. Augustine Church in Breese with Fr. Chuck Tuttle officiating. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Fairview Heights.

Friends may call from 8 until 10:45 AM on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at Nordike Funeral Home in Breese.

Memorials in honor of Mary are suggested to St. Augustine Parish or Stray Rescue of St. Louis and will be received at Nordike Funeral Home in Breese.