Mary McIntosh

Mary McIntosh, 75, of Robinson, IL, passed away on May 20, 2025, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, IN. And while her passing leaves an ache no words can touch, her life leaves a legacy that speaks volumes.

Born June 21, 1949, in Robinson, she grew up all over—wherever her dad’s work led, the family followed. But it was back in Robinson, in the 6th grade, that her story really took root. That’s when she met an 8th-grade boy named Doug McIntosh. He asked her to the 8th-grade prom, and the rest, as they say, is history. On August 22, 1964, they married—she was 15, he was 17. It wasn’t just young love. It was brave love. Determined love. She married him to stay in Robinson, but the truth is, she stayed with him because they built something worth staying for.

Mary built a life full of meaning. She raised her family with intention and strength. She went back to school, earned her GED, and became a certified Dietary Director—working faithfully at Cotillion Ridge Nursing Home, Ridgeview Care Center, and Lawrence County Hospital. Again and again, she proved to be the kind of manager who gave second chances. She believed in people no one else would.

When she retired in 2011, it wasn’t to rest—it was to help raise her first great-grandchild, Payton. Because that’s who Mary was: the one you could count on. The one who always made room. She poured herself into family—into birthdays with just the right touches, into holidays that transformed her home into a wonderland, and into Thanksgiving afternoons when she and the grandkids built charming little Christmas villages on plywood with glue guns in hand. They baked together too—fudge, buckeyes, sugar cookies—and she passed on her skills with intention and joy. Her grandkids had their own aprons, their own tools. Because Mary didn’t just want to serve her family—she wanted to include them in everything that mattered.

She loved to travel, especially to Florida and Gatlinburg. She collected experiences like souvenirs—not for herself, but for the stories they would become. She kept journals. Wrote notes. Remembered details. She didn’t let moments slip by unnoticed—she gathered them up and made sure they stayed. She also collected Willow Tree Angels—three glass shelves full of them—and she embodied what they represented: light, devotion, and tender strength. After all, she stood her ground with poise. She didn’t sugarcoat the truth, but she sweetened every day with her presence. She was a former member of the Red Hat Society, the Order of the Eastern Star, and the Moose Auxiliary in Lawrenceville—but her truest community was the family she nurtured, defended, and adored. They were her greatest joy—and she, without question, was their greatest gift.

She is survived by her husband, Doug McIntosh; her daughters, Brenda Gillaspie and Angel Armstrong-Keene & husband Danny Keene; her grandchildren, Bridgette Armstrong & fiancé Tyler Songer, Hunter McIntosh & fiancée Cheryl, Conner Armstrong & fiancée Bailey Helms, and Alexis Keene; and her great-grandchildren, Payton Childress, Trace Songer, Moana McIntosh, Easton Songer, and Nala McIntosh. Also surviving are her siblings, Nancy & Prentice Littlejohn, Gary & Della Littlejohn, and Larry Littlejohn & Tammy Ellerman; several nieces and nephews; and her best friend of many years, Becky Allen. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph A. Littlejohn & Lois Jane (Perry) Littlejohn; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Carolyn & Wayne Goodwin and Janet & Harold Councellor, Sr.; and her sister-in-law, Judy Littlejohn.

A time of visitation will be held from 2:00–4:00 p.m. on Friday, May 23rd, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Funeral services will immediately follow at 4:00 p.m., with Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating. During the service, family and friends will be invited to share stories and reflections about Mary’s life.

Memorials may be made to the "Shriners Hospitals for Children", and envelopes will be available at the funeral home.