Dr. Mary J. Vestermark

June 30, 1910 - Dec. 9, 2004

Dr. Mary J. Vestermark of Elgin, Ill., died Thursday, Dec. 9, 2004, in her home surrounded by family at age 94. Dr. Vestermark was born June 30, 1910, in Waukesha, the daughter of Charles H. and Mabel (nee Breese) Jacob.

Dr. Vestermark had a bachelor of arts from Oberlin College, a master of arts from Stetson University and a doctorate from the University of North Carolina. She taught at Centre College in Danville, Ky., from 1956 to 1966. She was a professor of psychology at Ball State University from 1966 to 1976 (leaving with title of professor emeritus). She was a professor of psychology at Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pa., from 1977 to 1984 and remained there until 1988 as the school’s counselor. In fall 1988 until 1994, Dr. Vestermark provided pastoral counseling in First United Methodist Church in Williamsport. She was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, which was academic, and Phi Kappa Phi and Kappa Delta Pi, honorary fraternities. She was a lifelong member of American Association of University Women. She co-authored two books, "Barriers and Hazards in Counseling," with Dr. Dorothy Johnson, and "Freedom is an Inside Job," with professor Vera Channels. She was also a member of Crossroads United Methodist Church in Plato Center, Ill.

Dr. Vestermark will be sadly missed by her four daughters, Mabel Lynne Vestermark of Fitzgerald, Ga., L. Jean Crummett of Waynesboro, Va., R. Ann Sanders of Lexington, Ky., and Christine V. Bruun of St. Charles, Ill.; her 6 grandchildren; her 10 great-grandchildren; and her sister, Mrs. Frances Barber of Topeka, Kan.

Private family services were held. Burial took place in Prairie Home Cemetery, Waukesha.

For more information, call Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home and Cremation Services at 542-6609 or visit www.waukeshafuneralhome.com for online obituaries, directions or condolences.