It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Nancy Lovell Whalen, age 73, in the early morning of June 22, 2024. Mary was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, and grandmother, and her loss is deeply felt by all who knew her. Funeral Services for Mary Whalen will be on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at Bell Funeral Home located at 510 Main Street in Sumiton. Visitation starts at 1:00 PM with the funeral service at 2:00 PM. Graveside service will be immediately following at Shanghai Cemetery located at 7494 Quinton Road in Quinton, AL.
She was preceded in death by her loving parents, James and Callie Lovell; her brother, Alvin Lovell; her sister, Clara Pettis; her beloved husband, Gene Whalen; and her precious grandson, Andrew Whalen.
Mary is survived by her son, James Sidney Whalen (Rian); her grandchildren, Savannah, Jonathan, and Addie Whalen; her nephews, Arlin, James, Jimmy, Larry, and Tony; and her niece, Veronica.
Mary, born on October 7, 1950, in Anniston, Alabama, was the baby of her family, cherished by her parents and older siblings. Her unwavering love for her family was a beacon in her life, evident in her time spent with them, especially her nephews and her niece. She attended Saks High School and UAB, where she continued to nurture her love for her family and her studies.
Mary started her career with the federal government in the MSHA Metal and NonMetal Department. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Gene Whalen. Once Gene convinced Mary to go on an actual date with him on July 16, 1973, they were inseparable until Gene’s passing in 2014. Mary’s career was marked by numerous achievements, and she proudly completed 42 years of service to the federal government. She retired from the US Treasury Department in 2013, leaving behind a legacy of excellence.
Mary’s son, James Sidney, was born in 1979. Mary had always planned to call her son by his middle name, but one day, in the first grade, his teacher called him “Sid,” and from then on, that was his name. Gene and Mary adored their son and gave him the world, but if possible, she might have adored her grandchildren a little bit more. Nothing gave Mary more pride or love than her four grandbabies, Andrew, Savannah, Jonathan, and Addie.
Mary attended more football, softball, baseball, basketball, and volleyball games than any one person should. She was on the sidelines of every game, cheering, taking pictures, and making friends with the other sports parents and grandparents. In addition to all the sports, Mary also attended every choir concert, award ceremony, graduation, play, and any other activity or event one of her grandchildren managed to find themselves involved in. She was the consummate supporter. Andrew, Savannah, Jonathan, and Addie never have to wonder if their grandmother loved them. They know it.
All who knew Mary were aware of her deep-rooted passion for Alabama football. Gene and Mary have been Alabama season ticket holders since 1983, a testament to their unwavering support for the team. To say that Mary was an Alabama fan would be an understatement. Mary’s love for the Crimson Tide was a fire in her heart, and she found immense joy in cheering on the team on Saturdays in the fall.
Throughout her life, Mary made numerous friends. Friends from work, church, and Eastern Star all played a part in creating such a full and wonderful life for Mary. Mary was an active member of Hope Community Church in Gardendale. Before moving to Gardendale in 2005, Mary and her family were members of the Sumiton United Methodist Church. Mary was a member of Eastern Star for as long as anyone can remember. She was proud of the service that Eastern Star provided to the community.
Mary’s best friends, otherwise known as “The Lunch Bunch,” were a constant presence and a pillar of support for her as she was to them. After Gene’s passing, Mary became involved in the Birmingham chapter of the Modern Widows Club, a widow’s organization that offered her support and, in turn, inspired Mary to reach out to new widows to help them navigate their new normal after losing their husbands. Over the last year, Mary had become very involved in her community at Morningside, where she was elected co-chair of the resident counsel and was also involved in many activities.
Mary lived a life well-loved and will be missed by so many. We know that she is happy and at peace in heaven reunited with her love, Gene, and her Andrew.
