Mary Elizabeth Sliva, 92, of Olney, died at 3:48 a.m. Sunday, November 21, 2010, at Richland Memorial Hospital in Olney.  Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Olney with Reverend Father Jerry Wirth officiating. Burial in Lawrenceville City Cemetery.

Mary was born January 9, 1918, in Lawrenceville, the daughter of George and Maude (Keller) Collins. She married Leo “Gus” Sliva. He preceded her in death on May 15, 2001.

Mary began her educational career as a teacher of music and art in numerous one-room schools in rural Lawrence County. In addition, she served as a Program Director for the USO from 1943 to 1946 during World War II. From 1953-1974, she co-taught choral and instrumental music with her husband, Gus Sliva, at ERHS. Mary was the founder and director of the "Grassroots" enrichment program for music and the arts for all students in Richland County schools. Mary served as the Organist and Music Director at St. Joseph Church for many years.

Her organizational affiliations included the following: active participant in P.E.O. for more than 50 years; member of the Community Concert Series Board, Olney Township Library Board, Illinois Arts Council and Olney Arts Council; hospice volunteer; and life-long involvement in community theater and musical presentations. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Olney.

She is survived by her son, Mike Sliva, and his wife, Terry, of West Chicago; son, Thomas Sliva, and his wife, Jan of Flagstaff, Ariz.; son, John Sliva, and his wife, Cindy, of Flagstaff, Ariz.; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, George and Maude Collins, husband, Leo “Gus” Sliva, and one brother, George Collins Jr.

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL)