Mary Burtschi, 98, Vandalia

Ninety-eight year old Mary Pauline Burtschi of Vandalia, IL died at 10:05 a.m., Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at Fayette County Hospital, Vandalia, IL.

Miss Burtschi, daughter of Joseph Charles Burtschi and Olivia Pauline Yoos Burtschi, was born February 22,1911, at 7:30 p.m. in Vandalia, IL. She received her B.A. degree in English and French from Webster University, St. Louis, Missouri and her M.A. degree in English and education from the University of Illinois, Urbana, IL.

Miss Burtschi was an author, historian, lecturer, and high school English instructor for twenty eight years. During her teaching career at Effingham High School, 1939-1970, she received two awards for distinguished teaching, sponsored a high school literary society which merited recognition throughout educational circles in Illinois, and conducted classes in American and English literature and pre-college rhetoric.

“Vandalia: Wilderness Capital of Lincoln’s Land,” published in 1965, won Miss Burtschi a book award from the Illinois State Historical Society. This book contained complete information about subjects of interest in Vandalia and universities across the country ordered the book. Eventually it was sent to six foreign countries.

Following her retirement from teaching, Miss Burtschi devoted her time and attention to researching and writing a biography of James Hall, a Vandalia capital period author. The book, “James Hall of Lincoln’s Frontier World,” published in 1977, was the culmination of many years of Miss Burtschi’s life.

Other publications include “A Portfolio for James Hall, A Guide Book of Historic Vandalia,” and “Seven Stories” by James Hall and edited by Mary Burtschi. Miss Burtschi also contributed to many magazines and books edited by others. She also wrote book reviews for various newspapers.

Miss Burtschi’s biographical sketch has appeared in the following directories:

Who’s Who in American Education, Contemporary Authors, Foremost Women in Communication, Personalities of the West and Midwest, Who’s Who in the Midwest, Who’s Who of American Women, Illinois Lives, Community Leaders and Noteworthy Americans, Notable Americans of 1976-1977, The Directory of British and American Writers, Dictionary of International Biography, The Writers Directory (England) and The World’s Who’s Who of Authors (England),

The following are honors and awards received by Miss Burtschi: Bronze Medallion from the Illinois Sesquicentennial Commission for “A Portfolio for James Hall” (1966), award from Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, for distinguished teaching in the student teaching program (1970), award from the Illinois Bicentennial Commission for preparing,

editing and writing the Introduction to “Seven Stories” by James Hall (1975), honorary membership in the Delta Kappa Gamma, international society of women educators (1975), award from the Illinois Secretary of State for outstanding volunteer community service (1976), plaque personally engraved for distinguished service for her contribution to the American Revolution Bicentennial commemoration in Illinois (1976).

Illinois author Robert Howard praised Mary Burtschi as the "queen of Vandalia and of Illinois historians."

In November of 1956, Mary’s sister Josephine purchased the home of her birth, a two-story, century-old brick home whose previous owners included James Berry, the capital portrait artist. In 1968 the "Little Brick House" was completely restored and furnished with items from the great grandchildren of capital descendants. The "Little Brick House" became a tribute to pioneer living and a museum of local history. Mary served as tour guide of the house. The two sisters compiled a James Hall Library in the house including original books, manuscripts, speeches, short stores, poems and book reviews. The "Little Brick House" was donated to the Vandalia Historical Society by Miss Burtschi with a dedication ceremony on October 18, 1997.

During the summers, Miss Burtschi and her sister Josephine enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. Upon her return, Miss Burtschi presented lectures to schools, churches, and civic organizations on the places she had toured. Miss Burtschi also appeared on television shows which include a CBS-TV special "USA Land of Color:

The Lincoln People," "Let’s Look at Learning," "Kaskaskia and Its History" and "HistoricVandalia."

Miss Burtschi is survived by niece Elizabeth and husband David Stedelin, Centralia, IL and niece Linda and husband Tom Eggers, Annondale, VA; great nephews Tom S. Eggers, Niceville, FL, David R. Stedelin, Centralia, IL; and great-nieces Laura Kent, Fairfax, VA, Emily Belk, Marion, AR, and Lisa McConnick, St. Jacob, IL. Also surviving are four great-great-nieces and five great-great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Leo Robert; and sister Josephine Frances.

Miss Burtschi was a member of Mother of Dolors Catholic Church, Vandalia, IL; Council of Catholic Women; University of Illinois College of Education Association; Illinois State Historical Society; Vandalia Historical Society; Sir Thomas Society; Vandalia Woman’s Club; Fayette County Cultural and Arts Association; Fayette County Bicentennial Council; Fayette County Retired Teachers Association; Delta Kappa Gamma; and La Fayette Players.

Visitation for Miss Burtschi will be from 9:00-10:00 a.m., Monday, May 18, 2009 at Mother of Dolors Catholic Church in Vandalia, IL. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., with Rev. Fr. Bob Porter as celebrant. Interment will be in Fairlawn Catholic Cemetery, Vandalia, IL. Memorials for Miss Burtschi may be made to: the Vandalla Historical Society, Fayette County Hospital Long Term Care Activities Department or Mother of Dolors Catholic Church CCW. Arrangements by Hohit &, File Funeral Home, Vandalia, IL.