Mary E. Bristol, October 27, 1934- July 10, 2025.
Mary E. Bristol, 90, of La Porte, Indiana, passed away Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Addison Pointe in Chesterton, Indiana, surrounded by loved ones.
She was born October 27, 1934, in South Bend, Indiana, the daughter of Harry Daniel Reece and Pauline (Sydor) Reece.
Mary grew up in South Bend, IN, graduating from Central High School, class of 1952. On June 28, 1952, she married the love of her life, Donald G. Bristol, who preceded her in death on November 19, 2014. Together, they moved to La Porte, IN, where they raised their children and enjoyed membership in the La Porte Moose Club. Mary worked as a cook for Whirlpool Corp, retiring after 40 years. She bowled in many leagues at Thunderbird Lanes and loved snowmobiling with her friends in Michigan. A true sports fan, Mary never missed a Notre Dame or Chicago Bears game on TV and loved "The Chicago Cubs". Her favorite NASCAR driver was Christopher Bell. Her support for her husband, Donald's, stock car racing was undeniable, and she could be seen cheering him on at his events. Mary was also an expert with her crochet hooks, creating many afghans and gifting them to family, friends, and even nursing home and hospice patients. She was very lucky at the slot machines and enjoyed traveling to different casinos around the US. An excellent cook, she always hosted big holiday family gatherings. Mary was short in stature but made up for it with her strong will, leading her beloved grandchildren to teasingly nickname her the " Texas Tornado" and "Gramma No-No". She loved animals, especially her cats, and touched many human lives, leaving behind a legacy of adventure, love, kindness, and respect for all who had the honor of knowing her.
She is survived by her daughter, Judy (Christopher) Comeno of Westville, IN; son, Robert Bristol of Danbury, CT; seven grandchildren, Chandra (Kevin) Sebasty, Donny Seimetz, Jamie Kleca-Holse, Jeff (Jackie) Kleca, Jason Kleca, Brandon Bristol, Amber Bristol; 14 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; nephew, Jeff Reece; niece, Debbie Reece, and her constant kitty companion, Whitey.
Along with her husband of 62 years, Donald, Mary was preceded in death by her parents; baby son, George; brother, Donnie Reece; daughter-in-law, Brenda Bristol; grandson-in-law, Gary Holse, and Whitey's twin, Blackie.
Arrangements are being entrusted to Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Ave., La Porte, IN, where the family will receive friends on Monday, July 14, 2025, from noon until service time at 1:00 p.m., with Chaplain Melissa Buche officiating. Interment will follow next to her husband at the Pine Lake Cemetery, La Porte, IN.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Dunes Hospice, 4711 Evans Ave., Valparaiso, IN 46383, or Heartland Animal Shelter, PO Box 6033, South Bend, IN 46660.
Online condolences may be made at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.
