Mary J. Hendrickson

Mary J. Hendrickson, 73, of Gary, Indiana, passed away Monday, March 17, 2025. She was born on December 23, 1951, in Gary. Mary is survived by Mark, her husband of 51 years, daughter-Carrie (Rob) Damron of Hobart, son-Ryan (Taylor) Hendrickson of Indianapolis, brother-Dave (Kay) Haughey of Fort Collins, CO, grandchildren-Owen and Elizabeth Damron and Izzy and Isla Hendrickson, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Delmar and Frances Haughey, and many well loved fur babies. Mary grew up in Miller and graduated from Wirt High School in 1969. She received a teaching degree from Purdue University, where she met Mark. After a very short-lived teaching career at Emerson High School, she decided to change course and pursue a certificate in accounting from IUN. Mary was outstanding in her 42-year professional career at one of the world’s preeminent steel manufacturers, beginning as an Accounting Representative at Inland Steel and retiring as Division Manager of Employee Benefits at ArcelorMittal. She was an extraordinarily knowledgeable and resourceful problem solver. Countless associates, employees, and retirees benefited directly from Mary’s expertise and support or knew someone who did. For her Benefits staff, Mary was highly respected, and she will be remembered with great affection. As a manager, Mary was not much different than if she was a close friend. Mary’s door was always open, she always went above and beyond, and she genuinely cared about her coworkers. Her spirit was infectious to all the folks she was happy to manage or mentor through the workplace and through life. Mary had a wonderful sense of humor and a special gift for storytelling, especially animal rescue stories. But watch out, you may be taking home an adopted cat or dog before you know it! As a borderline crazy cat lady, she was a very generous supporter of the Humane Society of Northwest Indiana. In her retirement, Mary enjoyed reading in the pool, watching the Food Network, and spending time with her grandchildren. She especially loved Door Dashing them food and keeping them well dressed. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Since compassion for animals was a cause dear to Mary’s heart, a donation to the Humane Society of Northwest Indiana (Humanesocietynorthwestindiana.org) would be a fitting tribute to her legacy. Burns Funeral Home, Hobart, entrusted with arrangements. www.burnsfuneral.com.

Mary J. Hendrickson

December 23, 1951 - March 17, 2025