Mary Hensel

Mary Ann Hensel, 84, passed away September 13, 2013 at home in West Chicago surrounded by her family.
Mary Ann was born at her family home in West Chicago, a town she called home until she passed away. She attended St. Mary's grade school and the West Chicago High School graduating in the class of 1946.
Growing up, Mary Ann preferred to be outside and climbing a tree rather than cooking and baking. Her memories include growing up during the depression but never going hungry. She explained that there was always the family garden and her mother could make any type of meat taste good. When she got older, the love of her life, Don Hensel, would drive by her house in his '32 Chevy Convertible on his way to work at the stock yard. Mom knew the schedule well, and would be sure to be in the front yard when he would pass. That must have worked, because Don and Mary Ann married August 26, 1950. Though cooking may not have been her favorite thing growing up, she certainly ended up spending many happy hours cooking and baking for their large family as well as all the students she cooked for when she worked in the WC High School cafeteria. People still talk about the Johnny Mazetti she would make at school.
Mary Ann was very active in the American Legion Auxiliary and held all offices at one time or another. She was also a member of St. Mary's Parish her whole life. Mary Ann made many dear friends with their involvement with the American Legion and all their activities including Friday Night fish frys and annual treasure hunts. Mom also had many friends through Don's involvement with politics, dear neighbors, and her Bridge friends.
Mary Ann is survived by her sons Steven (Cathi), Jim (Barb), and Rick, daughter Dona (Phil) Smith and daughter-in-law Linda; grandchildren Michael Hensel, Katie Hensel, Bree Jorgensen, Brandi Kubajak, Sarah Hensel, Dawn McQuillan, Kristen Paris, Eric Chorobik, Brittnay Hensel and Mathias Hensel. Sisters Kay (Frank) Rohwedel and Dorothy Lamb. She is also survived by many great grandchildren, step grandchildren, step great grandchildren and many friends.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Donald Hensel; a son, David Hensel; and her parents Matt and Margaret Heinz.
Visitation will be from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Monday, September 16, 2013 at Norris Walen Segert Funeral Home located at 132 Fremont Street, in West Chicago.
There will be a visitation also the morning of the funeral on Tuesday, September 17th at 9:00am at the funeral home with the funeral at 10:00 am following at St. Mary's Church on 164 N. Oakwood Street in West Chicago with burial at Calvary Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to: St. Mary's Parish.
For information call 630-231-0060 or please sign the guest book at www.norriswalensegertfh.com