Mary E. Hendrix

Mary E. (Pendergast) Hendrix, 89Cherry Valley-Mary Elizabeth Hendrix, 89 of Cherry Valley passed away in her home Monday, January 24, 2011 after a long illness. Mary was the oldest of 9 children born to Thomas & Leone (Riney) Pendergast in Charleston, IL. She graduated from the Illinois School for the Deaf in Jacksonville, IL in 1941. After graduation, Mary moved to the Rockford area where she met and married the love of her life, Bradie, on May 15, 1943. They enjoyed 59 ½ years of marriage before his death in 2002. Mary loved to spend time with her friends, travel, cooking and gardening. She was an active member of the Holy Family Chapel for the Deaf and the Center for Sight and Hearing impaired where she was known as a "social butterfly"! Her love to crochet resulted in gifts of beautiful afghans to friends and family. The past 5 years Mary spent her winters in Sun Lakes, AZ enjoying the warm climate and wonderful friends. Mary will always be remembered for her brilliant smile and sense of humor. Survivors include sons, Bradie (Bonita) Hendrix, Jr, of Yankton, SD, David (Robin) Hendrix of Carterville, IL, and daughter Sharon Hendrix of Cherry Valley, IL. Grandchildren Daron and Keegan Hendrix, Mary Klimczak, Nancy Anderson, and Bruce Hendrix; 6 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. Brothers, William (Eugenia) Pendergast, Patrick and Charles Pendergast; Sisters; Nancy (Douglas) Ross and Margaret (Roy) Helmersen. Dear friends Stephanie Raach, Lance Mitchell, Chris Greenwood, Rick Zumbragel, and Ed Martin, special niece Leone Hart; and her special wheaten "grandkids" Kealy and Shadow. Predeceased by parents, husband, and Brothers Thomas, Maurice and James Pendergast. Mary's comfortable final journey would not have been possible without the compassionate, caring staff of Northern Illinois Hospice. A special thank you to Mary's nurse, Valerie, you were our lifeline! Emma, Kristen, Michelle, Martha, Diane, Kris, Anne and Kathy, you lifted Mary's spirits with each visit, thank you. Funeral Service 3 p.m. Friday, January 28, 2011 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory (Mulford Chapel) 1860 S. Mulford Road. Burial of cremated remains in Charleston, IL at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Northern Illinois Hospice and Grief Center 4215 Newburg Road, Rockford, Il 61108.