Mary Raistrick

Dubbed “Grandmother Nature”, Mary was the owner and operator of Nature’s Own Shoppe in Peoria. The store was located for many years at the intersection of University and Forest Hill, but later moved to their Lake Street address.

“She influenced so many and she will be deeply missed,” says son Philip Raistrick. “We were lucky to have such an a great force in all of our lives. She was a huge river of knowledge and a spirit that flows in all of us.”

She opened the store in 1967 at a time when there was very little retail access to vitamins, minerals and supplements anywhere. In particular, the store helped to usher in a new era of organic living and a movement away from processed foods.

Joan Ericksen, Director of the Sun Foundation in Washburn, says “She used local organic farmers from the beginning. That was so important to her. She really emphasized whole healthy food. Her knowledge was ahead of her time. “

Mary also led many nutritional projects in the community, spearheading speakers on natural healing and health. “She knew how important the soil was and how important chemical free food was to our health. She was a major proponent of the mind-body connection to health,” says Ericksen.

Many of the organic sections you see at grocery store chains today are a direct response of stores like Nature’s Own Shoppe. The one thing these stores couldn’t replicate was her deep knowledge, her love and her compassion. Mary listened to her customers, finding healthy and natural ways of battling their chronic ailments.

Mary was born on March 5, 1919 in Peoria to Henry and Elma Wooley Ocker. She married Willard “Pete” Raistrick. He preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death were her parents; two sons Gerald and Steven Raistrick; three sisters and three brothers. She later married Norv Schneider. He survives along with one son Philip Raistrick of Normal; daughter-in-law Kathryn Raistrick; six grandchildren Victoria Raistrick of Champaign, IL, Jonathan Raistrick of Southbury, CT, David and Craig Raistrick both of Bloomington, IL, Christopher Raistrick of Chicago and Mark Raistrick of Huntley, IL; and 11 Great Grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, January 13, 2015, at Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria. Rev. Dwight Winnett will officiate. A visitation will be held on Monday, January 12, 2015 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be in Springdale Cemetery in Peoria. Memorials may be made to The Sun Foundation, 1276 Sun Rd., Washburn, IL 61570.