Mary Hettel

Mary J. Hettel, 92, of Marseilles, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 12, 2025, at her home.

Mary was born on March 25, 1933, in Norman Township, Grundy County, Illinois, to George and Annabelle (Mitchell) Durando. She married Joseph Everett Hettel on June 1, 1962, in Morris. He preceded her in death on October 22, 2006.

A coal miner's daughter, the oldest and eventually last surviving eight siblings, it need not be said that her beginnings were humble. As a child, Mom had to take on the responsibilities of an adult and throughout her life worked tirelessly to provide for her family, always taking a back seat to their needs. Her courage was unrivaled as her decisions were made in the best interests of her children without regard for opinion, often knowing the sacrifices she would have to make. If it meant waiting tables by day and addressing postcards at night, Mom did what she had to without complaint. Her unending devotion to family continued as time brought grandchildren and, eventually, great-grandchildren. Her strength and spirit live on in them.

Whether she was working at the Carson's restaurant or the Bakelite factory, Mom took pride in hard work and made numerous friendships with her customers and co-workers that lasted throughout her life. There weren't many weeks in our lives that someone didn't ask us how our mother was doing, offering explanation as to how they met Mom and why she meant so much to them. We can't think of a better gift or greater lesson than knowing the impact our mother had on the lives of others.

Mom never met a stranger, and often that person she didn't even know became a family friend. A trip to the nursing home to visit a relative or neighbor was often an opportunity to meet someone who didn't appear to have a family, and they eventually became part of ours. Her memory of familial connections and relationships was remarkable and lasted up to her final days. She will be deeply missed by her wide circle of friends and neighbors who visited her regularly up until her dying day. She would want to thank the many caregivers that allowed her to stay in the home she built with her husband, Joe, consummating their shared dream of having a place of their own.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Kim Keesee (Jeff Krieter) of Streator; three sons--Michael Robinson (Maria Callen) of Mesa, Arizona, Donald (Jolene) Robinson of Marseilles, and Joseph (Leah) Hettel of Ottawa; 10 grandchildren--Rachel (Jake) Olson, Amy (Rob) Reynolds, Kelly (Joe) Wiermanski, Jason (Kristen) Robinson, Aaron Callaway, Josh (Lia) Keesee, Jesse (Jackie) Keesee, and Eddie, Sam and Maggie Hettel; 10 great-grandchildren --Vicki (Brian) Snodgrass, Jacob and Knox Wiermanski, Korah Jo, Josephine and Titus Robinson, Kiamana Keesee and Lilli Keesee, Jayden Rico, and Jaycee Keesee; 1 great-great-grandchild Alice Snodgrass

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; four sisters--Loretta Burright, Barb Campbell, Edith Soberri and Esther Durando; and three brothers--Wilber, George and Art Durando.

A rosary will be prayed with the Catholic Daughters from 3:45 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Ottawa Funeral Home on Friday, December 19. Visitation will follow from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Additional visitation will be held on Saturday, December 20, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary of the Fields, 2098 E. 22nd Rd., Grand Ridge. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Ryan Mattingly officiating. Burial will be in Ottawa Avenue Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to Marquette Academy or the Grand Ridge Volunteer Fire Department.