Mary Lee Hendrick, age 85, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Clarendale of Mokena, surrounded by the love of her family.

Mary Lee was born in Joliet, Illinois, and was a graduate of St. Francis Academy. After graduation, she began her career at Illinois Bell, working there until she met and married the love of her life, George. Together, they embarked on a journey centered on faith, love, and family. While devoting her life to raising her children, Mary Lee’s creative spirit led her to launch her own crafting business, Hendrick’s Home Run, which later expanded when George joined her to create hand-crafted sports memorabilia. A woman of devout faith, Mary Lee was a long-time parishioner of St. Jude Catholic Church in New Lenox and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Manhattan.

Mary Lee was an extraordinary matriarch, legendary grandmother, and beloved "family daycare" provider, lovingly babysitting each of her grandchildren until they reached school age, lovingly referring to them as “Nana’s Babies." Her passion for bringing people together inspired her to establish the annual "Hendrick Bash," held every year on the last Saturday in July, a tradition she poured her heart into planning year-round. She was an avid die-hard Chicago Cubs fan. In addition to her devotion to her family, Mary Lee possessed a heart for service, founding Forget Me Not, an organization dedicated to raising funds and supporting those affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Above all, Mary Lee treasured life's simplest and sweetest moments: tending to her flower gardens, relaxing on her deck or front porch surrounded by family, sharing her home with her beloved dogs, and pouring selfless love into everyone around her.

Mary Lee is survived by her loving children: George Hendrick Jr., Sue Hendrick, Robb (Pin) Hendrick, William Hendrick, Michael Lee (Kelly) Hendrick, Katie (Rob) Butkus, Mary (Doug) Ekert, and Megan (Scott) Anton, her son-in-law Tony Stover; her cherished grandchildren: Paige (Drew) McKenzie, Shane (Kenzie) Stover, Mallory (Parker Aftanas) Stover, Anastasia Hendrick, Alexander Hendrick, Madeline Hendrick, Emily Hendrick, Breeana Hendrick, Makaylie Butkus, Beau Butkus, Danny Ekert, and Carly Ekert; and her precious great-grandson, Myles Stover.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George Hendrick Sr. (2012); her daughter, Peggy Stover; her granddaughter in infancy, Aubrey Hendrick; her parents, Eugene and Katherine (nee Spangler) Schlauder; her in-laws, George V. and Alta Mae; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Donna and Robert Holland; and her brother-in-law, Dave Billsland.

Visitation for Mary Lee will take place on Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home in Manhattan. Funeral services will be held the following day, Friday, September 11, 2026, at St. Jude Catholic Church in New Lenox. Mary Lee will lie in state at the church from 9:00 AM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM. Interment will immediately follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Manhattan.

Flowers brought Mary Lee so much joy throughout her life. In her honor, floral arrangements are deeply appreciated by the family to surround her with the beauty she so loved.

Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL, (815) 478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.