Mary Netherton of Chesterton passed away Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2011 in Valparaiso. She was 86.

She was born March 13, 1924 in Gary to Dominick and Louise (Fava) Galassini, who preceded her in death. On May 1, 1948 in Gary, she married Merrill Netherton, who preceded her in death in 1988.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Bev Blake of Chesterton; grandchildren Richard S. Blake, Johny R. (wife Rachael) Blake, Christopher (Gina) Netherton, Jaqelyn (Gene) Hosley and Julie Netherton; step grandson, Jonathan; five great grandchildren; daughters in law Jennifer (Carl), Gayle (Tony), and Debbie; many nieces and nephews; and her caregiver and companion Mary Ann Lonergan.

She was preceded in death by her sons, Robert C. Netherton and Richard D. Netherton; brother, Emery Galassini; and sister, Rose Lorenzo.

Mary was an area resident for 13 years, relocating from Merrillville to live with her daughter, Bev, in 1998. She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. She worked in the Civil Service Commission as a clerk for the Social Security Administration office prior to marriage. Mary enjoyed luncheons and dinners, playing cards, celebrating birthdays, and visiting dear old friends. She loved her family, grandchildren, and her pup, Sable. Mary also loved her vacations to the south with her daughter to visit family and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Feb. 12 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 638 N. Calumet Road, Chesterton, with Father James Meade officiating. Burial will follow at Calumet Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 11, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home, 517 Broadway, Chesterton, with a wake service held at 6:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the VNA Hospice of Porter County, 2401 Valley Dr., Valparaiso, IN 46383, or to St. Patrick Catholic Church, 638 N. Calumet Road, Chesterton, IN 46304. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.EE-FH.com

Posted 2/10/2011