Age 64 of Morris, Illinois, died Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at Morris Hospital following a brief illness.
Born May 12, 1959, in Terre Haute, Indiana, Annette was a daughter of Paul Norton and Beverly (Whitkanack) Norton Hacker. She was raised in Mazon, Illinois, graduated from MVK High School, and attended Judson University in Elgin, Illinois.
Annette began working at the age of 19 for what is now LyondellBassell in Morris and held employment there for 44 years. She was a dedicated employee who was very proud of her work there, participating with the Volunteer Fire Department, organizing health fairs and Earth Day events, and helping create a new system to limit plastic pollution.
Annette loved all things nature and took great pleasure in gardening, working towards preservation efforts, and donating to the Morton Arboretum. She was an amateur photographer, a passion her whole life, taking classes at Joliet Junior College later in life to deepen her skills. She always had a camera in her hand and had thousands of family photos at home, capturing years of loved ones and special events around her.
Annette was also a lifelong pianist and music lover, lending her talents for many years to First Baptist Church in Coal City, Illinois, where she was a past member and led the youth group. In addition, she was an avid fan of the Chicago Blackhawks and had their memorabilia scattered throughout her home and car.
Annette held social justice causes in high esteem and supported several groups, including the Human Rights Campaign, American Civil Liberties Union, and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. She was a straight shooter who made it clear where she stood with people, but she was kind and loving and welcomed anyone into her home. Annette was very loyal and was the type of person that always showed up, committed to keeping her word and following through- if she said she was going to do something, she did it.
Survivors include her mother and father: Beverly Norton Hacker of Mazon and Paul Norton of Hutsonville, Illinois; ex-husband: Terry Tackett of New Carlisle, Ohio; two children: Melanie Tackett of Johnson City, Tennessee and Jacob Tackett (Luke Brand) of St. Paul, Minnesota; six grandchildren: Kaylie, Aleese, Shallon, Liam, Carson, and Cameron; four sisters: Brenda (Ken) Funk of Morris, Angie Hopkins of Indiana, Amy (Ron) McClelland of Panama City, Florida, and Paula (Kevin) Middendorf of Humboldt, Tennessee; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and her best friend: Carissa Baumeister.
Annette was preceded in death by her stepfather, Jerry Hacker, and two children: Melissa Bordeaux and Stephen(Arianna) Tackett.
The family will receive friends for a visitation on Monday, May 22, 2023, at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway Street (one block north of Illinois Route 113), in Coal City, from 4:00 p.m. until the time of funeral services at 6:30 p.m.
Cremation rites will be accorded following the services, and Annette will be laid to rest in Oregon, Illinois.
Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Annette’s memory to the Morton Arboretum or the ACLU.
The following link is also available to assist the family in offsetting expenses. Any contribution is appreciated.
DONATION IN MEMORY OF ANNETTE
Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Annette’s memorial page via social media.
Funeral services and cremation arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory (815) 634-2125.