Mary E. Lindstrand

Mary E. Lindstrand, age 88, passed away Thursday, August 21, 2025 in Rockford, Illinois. Born August 14, 1937 daughter of Roy and Helen (Garry) Almond. Graduated in 1955 from Muldoon High School. In April, 1959, Mary married Walter Hartman in Rockford. They had 3 children, Christine, Garry and Cathleen. Walt passed away in June, 1970. In January, 1973, Mary married Don Lindstrand, with whom she shared 29 years. During their marriage, they were able to travel to Las Vegas, Hawaii, and her favorite place, Clearwater Beach, Florida.

Mom was fortunate to be able to be a housewife while we were growing up. After her children were older, she got a part-time gig at local grocery stores handing out free food samples. She was known as "Mary the pizza lady" at Hilander Food Stores. It was more a social event than a job for her. She loved interacting with the customers and, in turn, they loved her (or the pizza).

Family and family traditions were very important to her. All holidays were a celebration, whether the family was together or not. There were always special treats for Christmas, Valentines Day, St. Patrick's Day, birthdays. She was also a wonderful caregiver for her mother, mother in law and husband.

Mary was very dedicated to her faith and was a 40+ year member of St. Bernadette Catholic Church where she volunteered on the funeral luncheon committee, Room Mother, Chapel every Wednesday, and a member of the Senior Group and then a 20 year member of St. Bridget Catholic Church. She was an active member of the Women of the Moose. 

Survived by her children, Chris (Dave) Bennett, Garry (Jacquie) Hartman and Cathy (Kirt) Thayer; grandchildren, Sarah (Scott) Olson, Bryan Hartman, Alex (Meghan) Thayer, Katie (Ryan) Thayer; three great-grandchildren and fourth on the way; sister in law, Willa Hendricks; and four nephews. Predeceased by her siblings, Tom, Jim, and Margie; three nieces, and a nephew. 

The family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Charter Senior Living for their care and compassion to our mom. Also to Sanctuary Hospice for their care. We could not have asked for better care for our mom than what she received at Charter and with Sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Sanctuary Hospice. 

A Funeral Mass for Mary will take place on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 600 Clifford Ave, Loves Park, IL 61111. A visitation will be held one hour prior from 10:00 a.m. to the time of Mass. Final resting place at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. To send online condolences and share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com