Mary Alice Traeder

Mary Alice Traeder of Harvard passed away peacefully surrounded by her children on August 20, 2025, at the age of 85.  

Mary Alice was born on July 12, 1940, in Harvard, IL the daughter of Arthur and Rose (Kane) Pangburn. She graduated from Harvard High School, class of 1958. Following graduation, she began her career at Harvard State Bank where she remained until retirement. Mary Alice married Alvin John Traeder on July 30, 1960, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Harvard, IL. Al and Mary Alice were both devoted members of St. Joseph’s. She loved God, her family, friends, Harvard, and taking pictures.  

Mary Alice is survived by her children Daniel (Sue) Traeder and Christine (David) May; grandchildren Sophia, Trevor, Ryan, Freya, and Alexis; sister Nancy Emig, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

She was preceded in death by her husband Al, her parents, and her precious granddaughters Elizabeth and Kathryn.

Mary Alice will forever be remembered as MAT, the picture lady, the bank lady, and the one who made others feel like the most important person in the room.  She was a devout Christian who prayed for everyone and encouraged others to find the good in each day. She always had a smile on her face, a camera in hand, and a kind word. She was very quick witted and brought great joy to others. She will be greatly missed by many.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2025, from 2 until 6 PM with a prayer service at 5:30 PM at Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home, 107 W. Sumner St., Harvard, IL 60033. Mass will be at 12:00 PM on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with Father Paul White officiating, 206 E. Front St., Harvard, IL 60033. 

The family would like to request that friends and family wear bright, cheerful colors.  Mary Alice’s favorites were pink, purple, and turquoise.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.