Mary J. CherkinianRacine- Mary J. Cherkinian, 90, passed away at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare on Wednesday, March 2, 2011.Mary was born in South Milwaukee on December 23, 1920 to Vahan and Gulezar Jandegian. She married Sarkis Cherkinian on October 5, 1946 in Racine. He preceded her in death on March 16, 2010. Mary was employed as an administrative assistant at JI Case Company. After her retirement, she worked as the church secretary at St. Mesrob Church for over 2 decades. She was a faithful member of St. Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church, a member of the Woman's Guild for over 50 years and a member of the church retirees. Mary was also a member of the 20 year club at Case and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She enjoyed knitting and needlework. She is survived by her daughter Janet Cherkinian; brother, Meyer Jandegian; and cousins; Ardis (Ann) Cherkinian, Harry (Emmy) Cherkinian and Nancy (Rich) Hardesty. Mary is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many close friends. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Gilbert and Mike Jandegian. Funeral services for Mary will be held at St. Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church, 4605 Erie Street on Monday, March 7, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Fr. Yeprem Kelegian Officiating. Interment will follow in Graceland Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services. Memorials to St. Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church have been suggested.Mary's family would like to thank the staff of the Cardiovascular ICU at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare for the compassionate care given to Mary.