Mary Ottolini of Herrin

Mary Katherine Ottolini, 84, of Herrin, passed away at 10:10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, 2017 at Herrin Hospital.

Mary was born on March 13, 1933 in Herrin to Andy and Lela (Jackson) Gosnell. She married John A. Ottolini on June 14, 1952 in Herrin. He preceded her in death on Sept. 19, 1988.

She worked more than 30 years on the assembly line at Norge/Maytag in Herrin prior to her retirement. She was Baptist and occasionally attended Hurricane Baptist Church in Herrin.

In her spare time, she enjoyed going to the Herrin Senior Citizens to see her friends. She also enjoyed cooking her famous risotto, chicken and polenta, and baked apple pies. She was a talented gardener and grew beautiful tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. Mary was an avid traveler and enjoyed spending time in Florida, Hawaii and California. She will be dearly missed by her family, especially her beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is survived by her sons John Michael Ottolini and partner Randy Lubbert of Carbondale, Douglas Ottolini and wife Lura of Crainville; grandchildren Crystal Stultz and husband David of Carbondale, David Ottolini of Herrin; great-grandchildren Madison and Megan Stultz of Carbondale, Ryder, Raycer and Charlotte Ottolini of Herrin; several nieces and nephews and beloved dogs "Cocoa" and "Sammy."

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and three sisters Beth, Mildred and Genon.

A graveside funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017 at San Carlo Cemetery in Herrin. Rev. Brent Fitzgerald will officiate. Burial will follow at San Carlo Cemetery.

Memorial donations are suggested to the Herrin Senior Citizens Center or to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home, 201 S. 13th St., Herrin, Illinois 62948. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com.