Mary Ann Palm, 86, of Mt. Vernon, passed away at 12:20 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011, at Crossroads Community Hospital in Mt. Vernon. She was born on Sunday, Feb. 24, 1924, in Birmingham, Ala., the daughter of James and Mable Lee (Shaw) Winchester. She married Robert Alfred Palm on Sept. 7, 1946, in West Allis, Wis., and he preceded her in death on Feb. 9, 2006. In accordance with Mary's wishes, she is being cremated. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. She is survived by a son, Robert Lee (Rusty) Palm and wife Amber of Tuscon, Ariz.; two daughters, Cynthia Ann Longwell and husband Dr. Charles of Mt. Vernon and Catherine Ann Palm-Gessner and husband Dr. Robert of Prescott, Ariz.; three grandchildren, Dr. Charles Longwell III and wife Diana of Springfield, Kathleen Palm and fiance Kevin Summers of Oak Park and Elyse Hauge and husband Joe of Tuscon, Ariz.; her best buddy, "Tommy," her cat; a sister-in-law, Jean Plam of Munroe Falls, Ohio; and several nieces and nephews also survive. Her parents, husband, one infant granddaughter, Rachel Ann Longwell; and one brother, James Shaw, preceded her in death. Mary was a registered nurse, having graduated from the Columbia Hospital School of Nursing in Milwaukee, Wis. She was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church. For those who wish, memorials may be given to the First Presbyterian Church and will be accepted at the funeral home or mailed to Hughey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 721, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Hughey Funeral Home, where you may call 242-3348, or visit www.hugheyfuneralhome1969.com for further information and to send condolences