Mary "Tudie" Ghesquiere

Tudie was born April 14, 1945, in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Edward and LaVerne (Lorig) Reuteler.

She graduated from Sienna High School in Chicago, Illinois, and went on to attend Mundelein College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. Tudie married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Bill Ghesquiere, on April 20, 1968. Originally moving to Springfield for what was meant to be a two-year job opportunity for Bill, they made it their home for over 50 years. Tudie worked as a teacher before deciding to stay home and raise her girls. She returned to the workforce, as a Human Resource Trainer for the State of Illinois for nearly 20 years, a job she loved and where she excelled.

Tudie was a 14-year bilateral lung transplant survivor. She handled her health struggles with courage and grace, determined to watch her grandchildren grow up. She was a member of Christ the King Parish, the Junior League of Springfield, and a frequent volunteer at her daughters’ schools. She loved to travel. Annual family vacations to Door County, a trip to Williamsburg, Virginia, and semi-annual shopping excursions with her girlfriends were among her favorites.

An avid Chicago White Sox fan, she rarely missed a game. Tudie also found joy in tending to her beautiful yard, and playing games with family and friends, especially a long-running weekly Trivial Pursuit competition with her close friends. But she found her greatest joy being her grandchildren’s biggest cheerleader, never missing a game or recital.

Tudie was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and LaVerne.

She is survived by her husband, Bill Ghesquiere of Springfield; daughters, Jennifer (Byron) Deaner and Leah (Chris) Hardy both of Springfield; four grandchildren, Nicholas and Benjamin Deaner and Anna and Eli Hardy; brother, Edward (Amy) Reuteler of Chicago; sister, Therese (Ted) Nelson of Spicewood, TX; four nieces, Susan, Sarah, Jessica, and Alison; three nephews, Robert, David, and Tom; several cousins she grew up with and were like siblings to her; and beloved grand-pets whom she adored and spoiled.

Memorial Gathering and Mass of Christian Burial: Family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Christ the King Catholic Parish, 1930 Barberry Dr, Springfield, IL, followed by the Mass at 1:00 p.m., with Fr. Alex McCullough, celebrant.

Inurnment will take place at Calvary Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Gift of Hope or the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.