Mary Ellen Hildy

Age 75, passed away Monday, February 3, 2025, at her home in Coal City, Illinois.

Born August 3, 1949, in Morris, Mary Ellen was a daughter to the late John and Jane (nee Peterson) Cheshareck. She graduated from Morris Community High School with the Class of 1967. On April 12, 1969, she married Clyde Hildy, Jr. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Morris, where she was a member. They were married for 44 years and raised two children, John and Jamie. She worked as a phone operator for Illinois Bell for 28 years.

Mary Ellen adored spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Other past times included gardening, crafting, reading, sewing, and crocheting. Perhaps her favorite past-time was baking. She was best-known for her Kringla which she learned how to make at the age of 10. Her Kringla quickly became a favorite dessert at every family gathering. Kringla were always in high demand and family members would fight for the first and last Kringla; sometimes it got ugly. Mary Ellen, who said she was often mistaken for Meryl Streep, was known for her Olympic medals, which she said she could never find, and her great sense of humor!

Survivors include her two children: John (Stacy) Hildy of Elmhurst, IL and Jamie (Paul) Sikora of Coal City; six grandchildren: Camden Hildy, Simon Hildy, Mason Hildy, Lola Lavezzi, Ethan Sikora, and Jocelyn Sikora; two sisters: Barbara Chesharek and Christine Seng, both of Morris; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde; parents: John and Jane Cheshareck; two grandsons: Joseph and Virgil Lavezzi; and three brothers: David, Paul, and Bob Cheshareck.

Per her wishes, cremation rites are being accorded.

The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at Reeves Funeral Home, 408 East Washington Street (one block east of IL Route 47), in Morris on Saturday, February 8, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of memorial service at 12:00 p.m.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Mary Ellen’s Memory to: Angels of Hope, Inc., 265 South Richards Street, Coal City, Illinois 60416, or to the American Red Cross or the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Mary Ellen’s memorial page via social media.

Funeral services and arrangements are being made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Morris (815) 942-2500.