Mabel Brelje, formerly of Chester

Mabel Brelje, 100, of Belleville, Illinois and formerly of Chester, passed away Dec. 29 with her family at her side.

She was a member of Signal Hill Lutheran Church in Belleville, where she was a member of the Mary Martha Club, Carer and Sharers and Missionary Guild. She was also a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Post #58.

Mabel retired from the Shopland Bakery. She belonged to several pinochle card clubs and thoroughly enjoyed card games with her friends and family. An avid knitter, she provided all the family with afghans and other pretty items. She loved her time with her family - especially her granddaughters and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Cora (nee) Bueckman Gremmels; her sister Ardel Helfers and brother Lester Gremmels.

She is survived and lovingly missed by her daughter and son-in-law Wayne and Donna Sympson; granddaughters Terri (Jonathan) Sympson-Andrews and Catherine (Jim) Harding; great-granddaughters Alyssa (Jon) Todd, Alexandrea (Jeremy) Tripp and Ashley Harding; and great-grandson Andrew Harding.

She was a dear aunt to Una Fay (Don) Wenz, Janet (Joe) Helfers, Marilyn Sue (Glenn) McGee, Lois Ann (Bob) Driver, and Bob (Linda) Helfers. The family is grateful for the comforting care provided by the staff of Cedarhurst Memory Care in Shiloh and Heartland Hospice. Many thanks to them. Many thanks to Pastor Jon Hemler from Signal Hill Lutheran for his many visits and pastoral care.

Memorials may be made to Signal Hill Lutheran Church or Heartland Hospice.

Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. on Wednesday Jan. 2, 2019 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, with Pastor John Hemler officiating.

A graveside service will be held at Paradise Cemetery in Bremen, Illinois at 1 p.m., also on Wednesday.