Mary Jane Gardiner-Atkinson

Mary Jane Gardiner-Atkinson, 100, of Galva, died at 7:20 p.m., Thursday, May 14, 2026 at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center in Kewanee.

She was born on March 6, 1926 in Kewanee, the daughter of Robert and Maurine (Robbins) Stewart. She married Alan Gardiner-Atkinson in June of 1953 and he preceded her in death on February 5, 1955. Survivors include her son, Alan of Galva. She was also preceded in death by her parents.

Mary Jane received her bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Illinois. She worked as a schoolteacher and principal with the Galva School District. In her early years, before she left for Africa, she had worked at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago and for the Lake Shore Bank. While in Africa, she met her husband in Johannesburg. He was tragically killed in a plane crash on February 5, 1955 in Nigeria. After returning to the United States, she completed her education. After retiring from teaching, she also worked for Metritech in Bloomington. She was of the methodist faith and belonged to PEO and the Bishop Hill Heritage Association where she had served on its board and as an interim executive director. She was also active for many years on the Galva Planning Commission. Mary Jane also enjoyed reading mystery and history books and doing crossword puzzles.

Cremation will be accorded and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Private inurnment will be held at the Galva Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Galva Public Library or the Bishop Hill Heritage Association.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Jane Gardiner-Atkinson, please visit our floral store.