Mary Hesser

Mary Louise Hesser, a compassionate and creative soul, born in San Rafael, California on October 3, 1949, passed away on June 24, 2026. Mary was known for her loving nature and smart wit. She was a source of strength and inspiration for her family and community. A dedicated and tireless worker, Mary served as a Registered Nurse at Beatrice Community Hospital, Beatrice State Developmental Center, St. Elizabeth Hospital, Wilber Care Center, and for Dr. Lisa Peterson until her retirement in 2013. Her dedication to helping others was evident not only in her career but also in her active involvement in the Cortland United Church (taught vacation bible school, helped with Christmas programs, and was church secretary for 10 years), Senior Diners in Cortland, the Norris High School Music Boosters, and had been a girl scout troop leader.

Mary was a 1967 graduate of Friend High School and later graduated from St. Elizabeth Nursing School as a Registered Nurse. On April 27, 1974, she married John Hesser in Lincoln, Nebraska, and together they built a family rooted in love and kindness. Mary's love for her family was evident in everything she did. Her creative spirit shone through in her hobbies, which included sewing, gardening, fishing, and collecting antique glassware. In the words of Maya Angelou, “To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power. Or the climbing, falling colors of a rainbow.” She loved her family and the world around her with an intensity that was both powerful and inspiring.

Mary is survived by her son, Justin Hesser, and his wife Carmen of Crete; her daughter Erin Sheffield of Cortland; her grandsons Aiden Sheffield, Jacob Hesser, and Nathan Hesser; sister-in-law Meredith Krauter; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Hesser (2014); her parents, Erwin and Gertrude (Zieg) Steffensen; her in-laws, Clayton and Norma Hesser; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law Clayton and Jean Hesser Jr., and brother-in-law Larry Krauter.

Public visitation will be held on Sunday, June 28, 2026, from 1:00-8:00 PM at Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice with her family greeting friends from 2:00-4:00 PM at the same venue. A family prayer service will be held on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 9:45 AM at Cortland United Church, followed by a funeral service at 10:00 AM. Following lunch at the church, her Interment will take place at 1:00 PM at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery. A memorial has been established to the family's choice for future designation with the funeral home in charge.

As we remember Mary, we are reminded of the words of Helen Keller: "What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us." Mary's love and influence will forever remain a part of us. We invite you to share your memories and upload photos of Mary to the memorial page at www.ghchapel.com, or watch her video tribute as well. Mary's life was a testament to the power of love and kindness, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

These services have been entrusted to the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice.