Mary Harvey Colgan
A pioneer in Quincy broadcasting and a beloved figure on the Quincy Theater stage, Mary Harvey Colgan, age 77, of 2201 South 23rd died Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at 11:57 am in Blessing Hospital. She was born August 18, 1929 in Quincy, Illinois the daughter of Lloyd and Rachael Alice Matheny Harvey. She is survived by her husband Fred Colgan whom she married on December 1, 1951 in Quincy, Illinois. Mary was a 1947 graduate of Quincy High School, and a graduate of Quincy College. A veteran of Quincy Community Little Theater, Mary starred on WGEM as Popeye, the preferred childrens program of the 50's and 60's. With Popeye, she paved the way for many well-known female broadcasters at the same time she appeared on the Quincy stage in major roles. She was a "hit" in Mame, Gypsy, Damn Yankees, and Butterflies Are Free receiving the coveted QUILTA Award for Damn Yankees, Gypsy, and Mame. Other early television shows Mary hosted were Once Upon a Time, Magazine of the Air and Noon. She retired from WGEM in 1961 to devote her time to being a mother. Mary served on the Board of Quincy Community Little Theater and often stated that her proudest accomplishment was creating the Enid Ireland ...[more]View Full Online Obituary and Tributes
rd in memory of one of her favorite teachers at Quincy High School. Mary also served the Quincy Chamber of Commerce, the Dogwood Festival, and the Black and White Ball Committee. She performed at the Golden Eagle Riverboat Dinner Theater. Survivors also include her sons Kevin Colgan of Quincy and Casey Colgan of New York, NY, and her brother, Neal Harvey and his wife Rosemary of Decatur, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Lloyd "Moe" Harvey Services will be Monday, July 30, 2007 at 11 am in Hansen-Spear Funeral Home with Rev. Lou Zuck officiating. Visitation will be Sunday, July 29 from 4-6 p.m. Burial will be in Quincy Memorial Park. Memorials made to Salvation Army hometown Endowment, Chaddock School or Quanada in her name would be appreciated.
