Mary Frances Begler

Age 91 of Wilmington, Illinois, passed away on September 30, 2025 at Arcadia Care of Morris, Illinois surrounded by her loving family.

Born June 9, 1934 in Wilmington, Mary Frances was the daughter of Stephen Joseph and Helen Mae (Wall) Gray. She grew up in Wilmington, received her early education at St. Rose School, and went on to graduate with the Class of 1953 from St. Francis High School in Joliet. Mary Frances was united in marriage to Clarence Edwin Begler, Jr. on February 14, 1959, at St. Rose of Lima Rectory in Wilmington, where they began 40 years of devoted marriage and the blessing of raising their family.

Mary Frances lived most of her life in Wilmington and Braidwood, Illinois, and was a proud member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. She loved riding her red Schwinn bicycle, which she continued to do until the age of 89, and was well recognized around town for it. Mary Frances also enjoyed watching her favorite soap operas, All My Children and The Young and the Restless. She had a special love for babies, cherishing time with her grandchildren and providing care for many children and families in the community.

Survivors include her children: Mary (Ken) Ewenson of Wilmington, Teri (Wally) Jones of Wilmington, Steve (Karen) Begler of Braidwood, Rick (Lisa) Begler of Darrien, Illinois and daughter-in-law Christine Begler; grandchildren: Kevin (Adrienne) Ewenson, Craig (Marcie) Ewenson; Zachary (Stephanie) Begler, Jake (Becky) Begler, Ryan (Lisa) Jones, Alex (Ana) Jones, Julia Begler, Samuel Begler, Mark Begler, Jack Begler and Luke Begler; great grandchildren: Corinne Ewenson, Leighton Begler, Cole Begler, Hunter Begler, Lincoln Jones, Baker Jones, Julia Jones and Eila Badra; numerous nieces and nephews; and her friends Marlene Akins and Pat Milstead.

Mary Frances was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Clarence, son: Thomas Joseph Begler; brother Bill (Shirley) Gray; sister-in-law Beverly (Joe) McElroy.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Rose Catholic Church, 604 S. Kankakee Street in Wilmington on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Rev. Sebastian Gargol will preside with Deacon Jay Plese assisting. Inurnment will follow in Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Wilmington where Mary Frances will be laid to rest with her parents.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Mary Frances’ memory to Kuzma Care Cottage.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guestbook, upload photographs and share Mary Frances’ memorial page online through social media.

Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland and Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815/476-2181)