Mary Jo Parola, 73, of Springfield, died on Friday, Jan. 10, 2020, at 12:32 p.m. at Lewis Memorial Christian Village in Springfield.
A memorial gathering will be held Saturday, Jan. 18, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Butler Funeral Home in Springfield, 900 South 6th Street. The gathering will begin with remembrances from the family.
Mrs. Parola was born Oct. 1, 1946, in Peoria, to James and Eleanor (Bowen) Sibley. She married Tony Parola, and he preceded her in death on Aug. 18, 1981.
She graduated from Peoria Central High School with the class of 1964, then went on to study at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.
During her career, Mrs. Parola was employed with the State of Illinois, CILCO and then CSC Document Services.
She was a very accomplished artist and taught painting classes. She enjoyed painting, flower and vegetable gardening, dancing and spending time with her family.
Mrs. Parola is survived by her children, Troy (Amanda) Parola of Mundelein and Toni (Dan) Schrage of Chatham; five grandchildren, Ashley, Taylor and Madison Parola and Macy and Lauren Schrage; brother, Jay Sibley of Peoria; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents.
Memorials may be directed to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 15829, Arlington, VA 22215.
Online condolences to the family may be left at www.butlerfuneralhomes.com.
