Mary Heslinga, age 88, a resident of Windsor Park Manor in Carol Stream and formerly a resident of Wheaton, died Sunday, July 22, 2007 after a brief illness. She was born on October 21, 1918 in Chicago to Steve and Agnes Lukach, who immigrated to America from the former Yugoslavia. She attended Chicago Public Schools, graduating from high school at the age of 16 because she skipped two grades. She met Jerry when they both served in a street preaching ministry in downtown Chicago. Mary played the mandolin while Jerry preached and led the singing. They married on June 8, 1940, moved to Wheaton in 1953, and joined First Baptist Church immediately. She was very active at First Baptist, singing in the choir, playing the piano, teaching Sunday School, and serving as Sunday School secretary for many years. She entertained frequently in her home, often having guests for Sunday dinner or Sunday evening after the service.
She started working at Conservative Baptist Foreign Mission Society (now World Venture) in 1957 and continued until her retirement in the1980s. As the receptionist/switchboard operator, her friendly, warm voice greeted people from all over the world. Upon retiring from CBFMS, she worked serving coffee and greeting people at Wheaton Eye Clinic for several years.
Mary's family was very important to her, and she kept them all in touch with each other for years by her ingenious letter circulation system (the predecessor to e-mail!). She also organized annual summer reunions, which her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren continue to enjoy to this day. Her generous spirit was reflected in the fact that she always had little gifts for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She leaves her husband Jerry, two daughters -- Nancy (Ken) Greener and Alice (Richard) Tennies, two sons -- Jerry (Virginia) and Dave (Cindy), 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and her sister Esther Holic. She will be greatly missed by all of them.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 26, from 3:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 1310 N. Main St. in Wheaton, where a funeral service will be held on Friday, July 27 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to First Baptist Church.
Information and guest book are available at hultgrenfh.com or call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.