Mary J Dalcher

Born December 9, 1922 in Orchard Mines to Antonio and Rose (Alessi) Menghi, she married Calvin D. Dalcher on June 15, 1946 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin. He survives.

Also surviving are three children, Mary Ann Ladendorf, Robert C. (Pam) Dalcher and Susan G. (Steve) McLoughlin, all of Pekin; seven grandchildren, Shanna (Aaron) Siltman, Ramie (Brad) Nauman of Pekin, Ainsley (Justin) Reeise, John (Jeana) McLoughlin, Jenna McLoughlin, all of Pekin, Joshua (Tasha) Dalcher of Westminster, CO and Matthew (Hannah Grebner) McLoughlin, of Mackinaw; twelve great-grandchildren, Alec, Mason, Malley and Briana Nauman, Maya and Kaden Siltman, Addison, Ethan, Mia and Maggie Reeise, Eve Dalcher and Jack McLoughlin; one sister, Erma McDonald of Pekin and one niece, Bridgett McDonald of Pekin. She also leaves a special family friend, Father John Ohner of Homer Glen.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother in infancy, Lino Menghi.

Mary worked for Pekin Hospital for 26 years, retiring in 1984 as the secretary to the purchasing agent. She previously worked for Corn Products Company as the secretary to the chief engineer and had also made cakes in her earlier years for the former Westbrook Restaurants in Pekin. She was a graduate of Brown’s Business College in Peoria.

She will be remembered as a fabulous cook and faithful prayer warrior. Mary also enjoyed collecting antiques.

She was a devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin.

Her funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 28, 2015 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin. Father Michael Andrejek will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin, with the recitation of the Rosary at 4:30 p.m. Burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic School, 300 South 6th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or to the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry at St. Joseph Church, 303 South 7th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com