Jessie Ann (Stegen) Padilla

Jessie Ann Padilla, 86, formerly of LaSalle, died February 14, 2021 at Manor Court in Peru after a prolonged illness.

Jessie Ann Stegen was born September 17, 1934 in Dalzell, Illinois to Fredrick C. Stegen and Jessie Anna (Hamilton) Stegen.

She married Baudelio M. "Bob" Padilla at St. Mary's Church in DePue, Illinois on November 16, 1957. They resided in LaSalle and celebrated 60 years of marriage just three weeks prior to Bob's death in December of 2017. They had two sons and a daughter.

Jessie attended the Rockwell School, a one-room rural schoolhouse in LaSalle, prior to working at Westclox in LaSalle. She later worked as an inspector for Hobbs Corporation where she was active in the United Autoworkers Union as a treasurer. She also ran the kitchen of the South Shore Boat Club in Peru, and worked as a receptionist for People's Community Credit Union in LaSalle.

Prior to the onset of her illness, Jessie enjoyed cooking, baking, camping, fishing, and puzzles and games. She enjoyed many crafts, especially crochet and sewing. She loved spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren, her many siblings, and her pets. She was "Aunt Annie" to many nieces and nephews. 

Jessie is survived by her sons; Bruce Padilla of Utica and Brian (Lisa) Padilla of Spring Valley; her daughter, Debra (James) Hautala of East Peoria; her granddaughters, Nicole (Benjamin) Evans of Lostant, Amber Padilla of Peru, and Liliana Hautala of East Peoria; and her great-granddaughter, Ophelia Evans of Lostant. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her sisters; Ruth Unzicker, Ada Reutner, Johanna Kwiatek, Bess Nieves, and May Witczak; and her brothers: James, Fredrick, and John Stegen.

Visitation will be held at St. Joseph's Church in Peru on Thursday, February 18 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with a Mass at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. J.A. Small officiating. Gravesite service to follow at Valley Memorial Park in Spring Valley.

Memorials may be directed to the Safe House Animal Shelter, or the donor's choice.

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