Martha Lois Hoisington McIlveene

Martha Lois Hoisington McIlveene obituary, Rockford, IL

Martha Lois Hoisington McIlveene

Martha Hoisington McIlveene Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 9, 2025.
Martha Lois McIlveene passed from this life on July 3, 2025 due to complications from surgery. She was born to James Clayton and Lois Veerman Hoisington on September 13, 1951 and was raised on the family farm in Kishwaukee Community, near Stillman Valley, Il.

Martha graduated from Guilford High School, Rockford, Illinois in 1969. She earned her B.S. at U.T.C in Chattanooga, Tenn. and later went on to achieve her Ph.D. in education at Georgia State University with research into a comparison of Russian and American science education.

Knowledge of science and the natural world were important to Martha and her career reflected this. She taught middle-school science in Lafayette, Georgia for 25 years. In 2001, Martha accepted a job as the Director of Science Education for Chatham County aand Oatland Island Nature Preserve in Savannah, Georgia. In 2007, she accepted the position of Director of Science Education for Beaufort County in South Carolina where she stayed until 2012. The final phase of her career was spent as STEM Director for Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tenn. She retired in 2016.

Martha and Rick enjoyed their home and friends on Callawassie Island, S.C. and their frequent international travels. She had a passion for travel and was always planning her next trip. At home, she delighted in watching the marsh behind their home change with the hours and her long walks with Rick. She was loved and respected. Not afraid of change, Martha eagerly embraced challenge. She will be deeply missed by family and friends but leaves behind a legacy of knowledge and love.

Martha is survived by her loving husband, Richard McIlveene of Okatie, S.C. and daughter, Emily Lois of Las Vegas, Nev. Martha and Rick were married on August 20, 1971 and celebrated their 5oth anniversary in 2021 on a Viking cruise to Greece. She is also survived by her sisters: Edith Crosier of Crystal Lake, Il., Janet Hoisington of Rockford, Il., Nancy Sanders of Dallas, Texas, and Elizabeth Hoisington of Normal, Ill. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, James.

An informal Celebration of Life is planned for 10:30 on August 23 at Kishwaukee Community Cemetery, 8137 Kishwaukee Road, Stillman Valley, IL 61084.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Martha Hoisington McIlveene's Guest Book

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July 11, 2025

Patricia Pekarsky planted trees.

July 11, 2025

Pat & Linda Esposito posted to the memorial.

July 11, 2025

David & Patricia Manzi posted to the memorial.

Single Memorial Tree

Patricia Pekarsky

Planted Trees

Pat & Linda Esposito

July 11, 2025

Our thoughts & prayers go to the family.

David & Patricia Manzi

July 11, 2025

We will miss our dear neighbor Martha who always displayed kindness and grace. Our condolences to Rick and family.

Mark & Ann Igou

July 11, 2025

What a fabulous couple, Martha and Rick. Martha was so full of life and so interesting to talk to about all their travels. A very special lady who will be missed at Callawassie. Our deepest sympathy to Rick and the family
Mark & Ann Igou

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Mark & Ann Igou

Planted Trees

Barry Singer

July 11, 2025

My heart is heavy

Maggie Bryan

July 11, 2025

So very sorry for your loss, Rick and family. We enjoyed and will treasure our times with you and Martha, sharing travel ideas and social gatherings. Our deepest sympathy, Maggie and Rick

Kate and Bob Prochnow

July 10, 2025

So glad we got to know Martha over the past several years. Her intelligence, compassion and love of the environment is a model to follow. Our deepest condolences to Rick and her entire family.
Kate and Bob Prochnow

Single Memorial Tree

Kate and Bob Prochnow

Planted Trees

Georgeanne McIlveene

July 9, 2025

We have so many memories of Martha from all the Viking Cruises we went on with them. When a new cruise was advertised we would call them up and we would plan our next trip. She was always ready to go to new places. Traveling will never be the same without her.

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Sign Martha Hoisington McIlveene's Guest Book

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July 11, 2025

Patricia Pekarsky planted trees.

July 11, 2025

Pat & Linda Esposito posted to the memorial.

July 11, 2025

David & Patricia Manzi posted to the memorial.