Mary Gail (Struck) Grossman, 79, died Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Loma Linda, California, following a courageous battle with melanoma. She was born Feb. 11, 1946, in Quincy, Illinois, the daughter of Adolph and Henrietta (Dickson) Struck.

Mary was raised in Quincy and attended Western Illinois University in Macomb, where she received her Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. She settled in Galesburg, Illinois, to begin her career, teaching kindergarten for Galesburg District 205 in the late 1960s and early 1970s. After taking time to raise her family, she returned to her passion for education in the 1980s, serving as an art teacher at the elementary and middle school levels. She also lent her creative talents to a local Galesburg publication, working in advertising sales, editing, and design. In 2008, she retired to Redlands, California, to be near her family.

An accomplished pianist, Mary came from a long line of musical talent. She learned the instrument at an early age from her mother, who was a well-known pianist in their hometown. Mary found great joy in playing for her family and her kindergarten students. She was also a gifted photographic artist. Her works were published in catalogs and newspapers and exhibited in juried shows at the Galesburg Community Arts Center.

Mary was known for her kindness, her loving nature, and her absolute devotion to her children. They fondly remember her careful planning of family trips, birthdays, and every detail she thought would make them feel special and important. She cherished her many far-flung friends, maintaining deep connections through long hours on the telephone and shared travels.

She is survived by her children, Julie Grossman (Jonathan Kirsch) of St. Paul, Minnesota, and their three children, and Michael Grossman (Eriko) of Redlands, California, and their two children; their father, Harry Grossman of Scottsdale, Arizona; a sister, Harriet Servis (Kenneth) of Rolling Hills Estates, California; and a brother, Donald Struck (Joan) of Springfield, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her parents and her granddaughter, Malory Grossman.

Private visitation and funeral services were held under the care of Sunset Funeral Care in Redlands. Memorials may be made to the Galesburg Community Arts Center.