Mary L. Bogdonas

Mary Louise (Kesteleyn) Bogdonas, of Rockford, died peacefully on Sunday, February 19, 2023, at her nursing home, Generations at Neighbors, in Byron, Illinois.

Mary was born on January 14, 1931, in Aurora, Illinois, to Victor and Eunice (Wilson) Kesteleyn.

She married Joseph Bogdonas on December 17, 1960.

Mary had a variety of jobs. She worked at Sears for 4 years, Dr. Scholls for 12 years, and then spent the remainder of working life at Goodwill for 28 years. During that time, she was a manager at the West St. store for 4 years, then went to manage the North Main store for 8 years, and then went to the Kishwaukee store for 16 years where she retired in 2011. Mary was a hard worker, and an efficient manager. She had a natural way of serving people with dignity and made many friends through those years.

Mary loved her family as well as her dogs. She had a total of 11 dogs throughout her life, and her last dog, Barney, was so beloved that she packed his framed picture to take to the nursing home before she chose any family photos! Mary loved the Lord Jesus as well, and had pictures, the large family Bible, and other mementos in each room of her home as a reminder of Him and His salvation. She found great comfort in prayer.

Mary and her sister, June, loved to go out to play Bingo together. Other interests were to knit and crochet blankets and baby items for family members. She also enjoyed sewing. When she was younger, she loved to bowl and was in a bowling league.

Survivors include all four of her beloved children: Dennis (Cindy) Bogdonas of Rockford, Larry (Debbie) Bogdonas of Rockton, Vickie (Walt) Kirkaldie from the state of Oregon, and Lee (Joy) Bogdonas of Roscoe. Also, she is survived by her much loved grandchildren: Dan (Nicole) Bogdonas of Machesney Park, Becky Wagner of Belvidere, Ben (Michelle) Bogdonas of Roscoe, Amy Garris of Rockton, Joshua (Lorri) Kehler from the state of Washington, Tiffany (Erik) Schenck of Portland, Oregon, Kelley (Olle) Larson of Roscoe, and Zach Bogdonas of Roscoe. Mary also is survived by 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Joseph Bogdonas; her brother, Albert V. Kesteleyn of Woodstock; sisters Clementine Stewart of Taylor, MI; Mary Jane Kesteleyn, Esther May Kesteleyn Ehorn of Huntley, Geraldine Herrmann of Hampshire, and Violet June Muehler of Byron.

The visitation for Mary Bogdonas will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, March 1, at the Fitzgerald West Riverside Chapel on Rockton Ave. (Rockford, IL) with a funeral service following at 12:00 pm. The burial will be at Willwood Cemetery in Rockford after the funeral service.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mary's name to the Center for Sight and Hearing in Rockford.

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