Mary Hale

Mary Jane Hale, 77, of Poplar Grove, IL passed away peacefully in her home on Saturday, March 13, 2021 surrounded by her family. Daughter of the late Raymond and Shirley (Chapman) Peterson, she was born on August 12, 1943 in Rockford, IL. She attended Auburn High School and was in the first graduating class. She married the love of her life, Jesse Hale, on Saturday, October 15, 1983 in Rockford, IL. First and foremost, Mary loved her husband Jesse, and stood by his side through their journey in life. She served as the Director of the Boone County Museum of History for 12 years until she retired in 2014. Mary especially enjoyed genealogy and the surprises it brought. She was also a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan and a front row supporter to her husband’s passion for bowling. Mary is loved and will be deeply missed by her children, Lonna Bentley, Karla (Theo) Huwae, Dietta “Dee” (Kyon Perkins) Edgren, Timothy Edgren, Michele (Timothy Green) Aguilera, Jeffrey Hale, Jerry Steele; 17 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; numerous cousins; dear friend and former spouse, Wayne Edgren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Shirley; beloved husband, Jesse; numerous friends, and extended family. The family would like to express their gratitude to the entire Heartland Hospice team, as well as the Boone County Council of Aging Home Health Aides for their loving care and special comfort to the family. Due to the unusual circumstances surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, a celebration of life will take place Saturday, August 14, 2021 (her birthday weekend) at Belvidere Park. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in the family’s name.