Mary Lou Hackett

Mary Lou Hackett, 64, of Berrien Springs passed away peacefully in her sleep on Oct. 6, 2025.

Mary was born Feb. 2, 1961, in Lake Worth, Fla., the daughter of Donna Stonesifer and later adopted by her mother's second husband, Larry Krieger.

She graduated from high school in 1979, then went on later in life to earn a certification as a CNA, helping in both hospitals and nursing homes. She additionally got her childhood development associate (CDA) certification and worked in day care facilities locally.

Mary married Jeff Hackett on July 11, 1981, at the Bridgman magistrate's office with the magistrate officiating. They were married for more than 44 wonderful years, renewing their vows surrounded by their family on their 40th wedding anniversary. They met in 1979 and started dating shortly after meeting. They went on to have four children, 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Mary was a homemaker for the majority of her life and got a great amount of joy and fulfillment from seeing her children and grandchildren grow and develop. She gave everything she had to her kids, always putting them first, juggling the schedules of four kids and a household without missing a beat.

She especially loved reading, having multiple stacks of books around her at all times, usually being in the middle of at least four to five different books at once. She also loved knitting and sewing and even made a lot of clothing for her kids when they were little.

Remaining to cherish Mary's memory are her husband, Jeff Hackett; children: Jeff (Charity) Hackett, Anthony (Ashley) Hackett, Patrick Hackett and Kathleen (Greg) Harte; sisters: Jenny (Brad) Odiorne and Linda Horvath; in addition to 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Preceding Mary in death are her parents: Donna and Larry Krieger and her daughter-in-law, Megan Hackett.

A celebration of life will be at 3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13, at The Heritage Chapel, 8747 U.S. 31, Berrien Springs. Visitation will precede from 1-3 p.m. Memorial donations in Mary's memory may be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Envelopes are available and may be sent to Heritage Chapel Starks Funeral Home in care of arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.starksfamilyfh.com.