Mary F. Essex, 46, of Cape Girardeau died unexpectedly Tuesday, March 23, 2010, at Saint Francis Medical Center.

She was born Sept. 28, 1963, in Murphysboro, Ill., to Howard Wesley and Frances Mae Lowey Cotton.

Mary was a secretary at Egyptian School near Tamms, Ill.

Mary loved to work in the yard and garden, and enjoyed working out at HealthPoint Fitness. She enjoyed craft and car shows, especially the Street Rod Nationals in Louisville, Ky. She also liked going to Kentucky Lake and spending time with her children, and family pets Katie, Ellie, Walker and Eddie.

Survivors include her fiance, Bob Hathaway; father, Howard Cotton of Ava, Ill.; a son, Ryan Essex of Cape Girardeau; a daughter, Sarah Essex (Jim Mann) of Cape Girardeau; two brothers, David Cotton (Michelle) and Jason Cotton of Ava; two sisters, Kelly Cotton of Olive Branch, Ill., Julie McCrite (Danny) of Tamms; many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Frances Cotton.

Friends may call from 4 p.m. to service time Friday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, with Melvin Troyer officiating.

Memorial contributions may be given to The Humane Society of Southeast Missouri, 2536 Boutin Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.