Mary Lou Ettien

December 12, 1946 - August 22, 2024

BLOOMINGTON - Mary Lou (Mason) Ettien, 77, of Bloomington, passed away Thursday, August 22, 2024, at Alton Memorial Hospital in Alton, IL.

Mary was born to Walter and Frances (Hunt) Mason on December 12, 1946. She grew up in the Bloomington area where she attended and graduated from Bloomington High School in 1964. She attended Heartland Community College and graduated with an Associate's Degree in Arts. Mary was a kind and hard working woman who strived to provide the best for her family.

She worked as a secretary for Laesch Dairy for 15 years. She transitioned into the hotel industry and served as the manager of sales and marketing at the Chateau Hotel and Conference Center of Bloomington. She retired, but discovered she was most happy while working, even if just a little bit. She took on employment with Nord Cleaning Services and worked several hours a week.

Mary's enthusiasm for life could not be contained. She was a very active person and even in the few months preceding her passing, she was seldom found sitting down. She loved walking the nature paths at Starved Rock State Park; she loved the fresh air and being close the nature. She was an honorary Illinois historian, and loved learning about the rich culture and history of her home state. She enjoyed attending and supporting the McLean County Museum of History, and the Bloomington Center for Performing Arts as well.

Surviving are her children: Michelle (Todd) Smith of Decatur, IL, Jean Paul (April) Ettien of Clinton, IL; her grandchildren: Bradley Wartena of Decatur, IL, Brett (Lexy) Bridges of Bloomington, IL, Savannah Ettien of Clinton, IL, Raven Ettien of Clinton, IL, Brodie Ettien of Clinton, IL, and Jessie Ettien of Clinton, IL: two great-grandchildren: Caden Beasley and Braden Wartena; her brother, John (Carol) Mason (Tulsa, OK); and sister-in-law, Debbie Mason of Heyworth, IL. Her parents, her sister, Carol M. Curdy, and her brother, Robert Mason, precede her in death.

Memorial donations in Mary's name can be made to ARC Activity & Recreation Center 600 E Willow St., Normal, IL, 61761.