Honoring a Lifetime of Compassion

Mary and John Currell

Mary Cleota Callahan was born in Van Horne, Iowa, in 1935. At a young age, her family moved to Cedar Rapids where Mary attended Immaculate Conception grade and high school. She then attended Mount Mercy Junior College, earning her Associate of Arts degree in 1955 and developing lifelong friendships. She continued her education at Marycrest College in Davenport, Iowa, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1957.

Mary fulfilled her passion for teaching by serving as a first-grade teacher for 22 years, reaching over 700 children throughout her career. She was known for her commitment to religious education, which she taught for more than 45 years. An avid reader, she was also a strong advocate of her local community library, where she introduced her four children and eight grandchildren to a love of reading.

Mary first noticed her future husband, John Currell, at daily Mass. John was born and raised in Cedar Rapids. At age 12, John started his business career selling concession items at Daniels Park baseball games. John sold appliances and TVs for Checker Electric in high school and summers during college.

John graduated from the University of Iowa in 1957 and married Mary within weeks of graduation. John held a sales position with Reynolds Metals and management positions with Penick & Ford, RJR Foods and Del Monte. In 33 years of corporate life, Mary and John lived in 14 states.

After corporate retirement, John created a packaging supply business that featured custom boxes for industrial accounts along with a full line of packaging supplies. John retired 23 years later.

Over the years, Mary and John enjoyed the Cincinnati and Detroit symphonies, stage plays and traveling throughout the U.S. and Europe. They enjoyed hosting dinner parties and celebrations in their home—especially their St. Patrick's Day gathering. Mary was a devoted nanny to her grandchildren. Being a part of their lives was important to her. Mary kept in touch with classmates and friends she met throughout her lifetime via letters and phone calls. Mary and John enjoyed their home, yard, gardens and the woods. Birds were plentiful for watching, and the couple also enjoyed listening to their songs and bird calls.

When Mary passed away after 61 years of marriage, John was determined to do something special in her memory. To honor her lifetime of compassionate teaching, he started with annual scholarships for education students at Mount Mercy University. Then, in July of 2021, he gifted appreciated stock to establish the Mary Callahan Currell JC'55 Endowed Scholarship at Mount Mercy University to continue Mary's legacy and provide financial assistance to students interested in primary education and religious education of young children.

Whether you're interested in leaving a legacy through a beneficiary designation, a gift from your IRA or by just beginning your estate planning process, we're happy to help you find the option that best meets your needs. To learn more about supporting our students through planned giving, please contact Lonna Drewelow at 319-286-4408 or ldrewelow@mtmercy.edu.