Marie Fortado-Justus, 100, of Jacksonville, Illinois, passed away on Monday, January 19, 2026.

Marie was born July 30, 1925, in Jacksonville, IL, the daughter of John and Minnie Margaret (DeOrnellas) Fortado.

She is survived by her daughter, Cindy (Vann) Fortado-Clark of Bridgeton, MO; three grandchildren, Brian Clark of Silver Spring, MD, Marie Clark of Milwaukee, WI and Brandon Clark of Bridgeton, MO; and multiple nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband V.R. Justus; and her siblings, Albert Fortado, Minnie Rose Purdue, Paul Fortado and Lorene Fortado.

Marie graduated from Jacksonville High School at the age of 16 in 1942. She then worked at Color Craft Photo Developing in Jacksonville for over thirty years. Marie enjoyed going to church, collecting recipes and cookbooks, was an avid reader, and loved sewing, quilting, and baking. She took great pride in her gardening and working outside in her yard. She traveled extensively with friends and family.  Marie helped to raise her three grandchildren and saw all graduate from college.  She loved being a part of their lives and would facetime them daily.

A funeral service will be held at 2:30 PM Friday, January 23, 2026, at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville, with burial at Jacksonville East Cemetery. The family will meet friends at the funeral home from 1:00 - 2:30 PM prior to the service. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left buchanancody.com.