Mary Schwarm

Mary Anna Schwarm, 77, of Decatur passed away at St. Johns Hospital in Springfield on June 27, 2012. Mary Anna was born on a farm near Shumway, Illinois, August 15, 1934, to Carl and Florence (Engel) Klepzig, She touched many lives throughout her career as a professional artist and was a member of The Barn Colony. Mary Anna taught drawing in her home and later opened Studio 101 in downtown Decatur at the Bachrach Building. She worked street shows and malls throughout Central Illinois and Milwaukee, Wisconsin doing portraits and caricatures, and exhibiting her art work at one-artist shows at the Decatur Public Library, ADM Executive Corporate Offices, and Mt. Zion State Bank. One of her paintings was accepted for a national competition by the Pastel Society of America, and was displayed for an entire month at the National Arts Club, New York City. Mary Anna is survived by her three sons, Brad Berry, Decatur, Bruce (Betty) Berry, Decatur, and David (Joan) Barrymore, California. She is also survived by her brothers, Arland (Karen) Klepzig, Altamont, IL, Roger (Karen) Klepzig, Marion, Ohio, and sister Neva (Ron) Warren, Grove City, Ohio, four grand-children, and many great grand-children, nieces and nephews, and relatives across the country. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Leon, and nephew Alan Klepzig. Mary Anna loved her church home and family, and will be greatly missed by all who knew the warmth of her smile and depths of her love. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at Maranatha Assembly of God, Decatur, IL on Saturday, July 7 at 10:00 am. Condolences may be left to the family at www.brintlingerandearl.com. "
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