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Mary Therese (M.T.) Vann 1961 - 2016
Mary Therese (M.T.) Vann, of Springfield, died suddenly in the emergency room of St. John's Hospital on December 31, 2016. MT was born on July 28, 1961 to Bill and Theresa Vann. She was born into a raucous family that up to that time had four boys. She was the baby of the family until another boy, David, was born in 1971.
M.T. went to St. Agnes Grade School, Sacred Heart Academy and attended the University of Illinois. She had owned two coffee houses, Cup and Chaucer and later Higher Grounds. She really found her professional footing as she entered, like a bull in a china shop, the auction and real estate business. She developed a wonderful following as she auctioned at the Patty Doyle Auction Gallery on Friday evenings. She also did a lot of commercial and land auction work. Her auctioneer work also included countless charity auctions, where she would show up dressed to the nines in her tuxedo and work the room to help all those non-profits. M.T. was also a partner in Prairie Property Solutions. She was particularly proud of her work that helped so many people buy their first homes. She was a member of the IL Association of Realtors, Capitol Area Realtors, and the National Association of Auctioneers.
Her community work was widespread, but nothing was more important to her than the mission of the Phoenix Center. She joined the Board of Directors in 2007 and served as both Vice-President and President during her 8 years of service. During this time, M.T. served as an ambassador for the LGBT community and was a part of the first Springfield PrideFest Committee. In recent years, she had also taken an active role in grass roots politics at the local level.
Her greatest accomplishment in life may have been the care and comfort she provided her parents for a decade as their health declined. It was her life's mission to keep Mom and Dad in their home until the end and she succeeded with gusto despite great personal and professional sacrifice.
M.T. was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Theresa Vann. She is survived by five brothers, Bishop Kevin Vann of Orange County, California, Dennis Vann (wife, Claudia; nephew, William; niece, Barrett) of St. Paul, Minnesota, Les Vann (wife, Shannon) of Cape Coral Florida; nephews, Kyle and John (wife, Dawn); and great-niece, Violet; Gerry Vann (husband, David Pearson) of Boston, and David Vann of San Francisco; and her beloved fur babies.
Celebration of Life/Funeral Liturgy Outside Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 6, 2017 at the Crowne Plaza, 3000 S. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield.
Private family burial will be held at Calvary Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Theresa Vann Scholarship Fund, c/o St. John's Hospital, 800 E. Carpenter, Springfield, IL 62702 or The Phoenix Center, 109 E. Lawrence Ave., Springfield, IL 62704.
The family of Mary Therese (M.T.) Vann is being served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield.
Please visit butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Butler Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center.
My heartfelt sympathy to the Vann family. M.T. was a kind, caring person. She will be truly missed.
Carole Hunter-Aubrey
January 11, 2017
I know you are in Heaven. Pray for the Orange Diocese.
January 10, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of M.T. passing. I didn't know her well, but she had an amazing ability to make me feel like an old trusted friend! I met her at Doyle Auction house, and had heard of the amazing M.T. prior to that. She also met my eldest son once. M.T. always remembered my name, meeting Blake, and random information previously shared. She would always ask how he was doing in school, the family was, business, etc. She had the ability to make me feel special. I will miss seeing her, and am grateful for our brief contacts. Heaven gained a good one! My sympathy to her family and friends.
Karen Wagner
January 10, 2017
I am so very grateful to have had the privilege of knowing M.T. and the Vann family since 2005. M.T. was truly one of the most unique and wonderful people I have ever known. Her kindness, humor, expertise in so many areas, passion for her family and friends, and her unfailing commitment to service were all a source of great inspiration to me.
M.T., yours is a powerful and profound legacy. I will never forget you, my friend.
Nicki Prevou
Friend
January 7, 2017
Sending love & hugs to the Vann family. MT inspired many to be be better people.... she will always be in my thoughts!
Cyndi Beck
January 6, 2017
Vann Family,I had the pleasure to have known M.T for over 40 years.She was a friend to me and my family during this time as was always there to help whenever needed.She has impacted so many lives and will be greatly missed.Michael Waters Chicago,Illinois.
January 6, 2017
Vann family,I had the priveleage to have known M.T for over 40 years.She has always been there for me and my family and will be greatly missed.My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.~Michael Waters~Chicago,Illinois.
January 6, 2017
Michael Waters
January 6, 2017
I had the pleasure of getting acquainted with M.T.@ her coffee shop "Higher Ground". She was such a bright light and a joy to be around. May her compassion and love live on in every life she touched.My deepest condolences to all.
Karen Hayes
January 6, 2017
Dear Vann Family,
I only knew MT for about 4 years but it seems longer. She was the best person I have met because she always had a helpful nature, taught others well, always had a cheerful manner. Loved to see her having fun playing cards, and she was good at it.
Her love for animals is another great thing. There would be several posts on Facebook about lost or found animals and she would post them all.
I will miss her greatly as so many others will. I have been over to visit the dogs and may be taking them if they get along with my dachshund.
Kathleen Brodhacker "Kate"
Kathleen Brodhacker
January 6, 2017
I am saddened with the passing of my friend and colleague, M.T. Vann. M.T. was a powerful personality who was greatly admired and respected among her peers on a national level throughout the auction industry.
I graduated from the Certified Auctioneers Institute with M.T. and she left a positive and lasting impression. She inherited many new friends as an end result.
Kenny Lindsay
January 6, 2017
I am so saddened by the loss of such a great humanitarian. I have known M.T. for 20 years, and she always took time for others. My heartfelt sorrows go out to all of the family and friends of M.T. I was just getting ready to call her about a house, on Monday.
Michelle Sgro
January 5, 2017
To the Vann family, I am so sorry for your loss and will remember you in my prayers. She will be greatly missed
Joann Adcock
January 4, 2017
Bishop Vann and family,
I'm so sorry to learn of your sister's passing. She sounds like a remarkable woman. Prayers and sympathy.
Donna Brandis Ehler
January 4, 2017
Rest In Peace
Dee Lazarus
January 4, 2017
MT personified the definition of compassion and dignity. She was truly a renaissance lady. Nancy and I will miss her humor, her kindness and her caring. To the Vann family, we extend our sincere condolences. May she forever enjoy serenity in heaven with her wonderful parents.
Bob & Nancy Colantino
Bob Colantino
January 3, 2017
Les and brothers,
So saddened to learn of your sister's untimely death. Praying for all.
Stephanie Hall McGlasson
January 3, 2017
M.T., you brought out the best in everyone. You will be missed. Heaven is so happy to have you and you are reunited with your parents who adored you. Does not make it any easier for us left behind but there is comfort in knowing that we will all be together again. Fly high young lady fly high. Hugs as always.
Nita Manci
January 3, 2017
MT was a good friend and fun classmate who will truly be missed by all of her St. Agnes cohorts. She was a bright light that was dimmed way too early. Wish I could be there to properly say goodbye.
Bryan Padget
January 3, 2017
I'm in shock. I saw this just a while ago. She sold my late sisters house in June. She was friendly, very hard working and she wore so many hats. Real estate agent, auctioneer, estate planning service. I don't know when she slept. what a loss. She was a joy to be around. She'll be missed.
Joe Mucciante
January 3, 2017
I was and still am truly saddened to have learned the news of MTs passing. My wife Stephanie and I held her in high regard and shared a great deal of interest with her. She was an independant, hard working woman with a big heart. Heaven just got a fresh perspective and an honest soul. Rest In Peace, MT, Rest In Peace
G. Jackson
January 3, 2017
We had the honor of knowing MT for about 25 years. She was the definition of compassion and lead by example. She will be missed by so, so many.
Thanks for all you did good lady.
The Coffeys
Alison & Joe Coffey
January 3, 2017
Such a strong, brilliant, independent woman. A real treasure in this community. We will miss you so much, MT. You were incredibly loved.
Our most heartfelt condolences to MT's family and friends.
Jess & Kayla Weitzel
January 3, 2017
I've known M.T. For decades. Her outgoing personality, infectious laugh, sense of humor, and her great compassion for all, will truly be missed. Springfield and surrounding areas will miss her dearly. My prayers for strength, comfort, and peace for her beloved family, and friends.
Forever strong M.T., fly high!!!
Gerianne Mazrim
January 3, 2017
What a role model for a life of compassion and giving. Thanks for all you did for so many.
Barb Oakes
January 3, 2017
What an honor that you touched my life and showed me strength. Thanks for all that you did for us. RIP MT
Deb Beard
January 3, 2017
Larry Wassell
January 3, 2017
With deepest sympathy to the Vann family for your loss.
Marty & Julie Benoit
January 3, 2017
Fr. Vann - I'm so sorry for your loss. God bless.
Anne Hofferkamp
January 3, 2017
MT IS AN ICON IN MY AND MANY OTHERS LIFE MEMORIES. YOU ARE SORELY MISSED MY FRIEND.
STEWART BUECKER
January 2, 2017
What a classy person you were, M.T. So genuine and so easy to communicate with, despite your hectic schedule. I will miss you greatly, but I am so glad to have had the opportunity to know you. God speed, M.T.
Robert Konzelmann
January 2, 2017
I was so sorry to hear of MT's passing at such a young age. I met her only a few times, but really enjoyed her personality. I am keeping all of you in my prayers.
Mary Metcalf
January 2, 2017
With deep appreciation for your life. Thank you MT
Tom and Shannon Hughes-Sisk
January 2, 2017
So sorry to hear of MTs death. She was an amazing force and voice in behalf of people who don't always have a voice. She will be greatly missed in the Springfield community.
Susy Woods
January 2, 2017
You are so loved.
Virginia Thompson
January 2, 2017
Cathy Camille
January 2, 2017
My sympathy to the family. She was a wonderful person. Our loss is Heaven's gain. A truly great friend who I will miss very much.
Clifford Benedict
Friend
January 1, 2017
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