Marie Callender, 86, of Secor, passed away Sunday, February 4, 2024 at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.

She was born August 13, 1937 in Kentland, IN to the late William A. and Florence L. (Simmons) Burke.  She married Robert E. Callender in Sheldon, IL on October 30, 1960.  He preceded her in death on January 4, 2017.  She was also preceded in death by her twin sister at birth, and ten other siblings.

Surviving are three children, Michael, Elaine, and Roger (Doreen) Callender; two grandchildren, Alec Callender and Kayleigh Helenthal; one great-grandchild on the way; one sister, Hazel Gagnon; and several nieces and nephews.

Marie was a homemaker most of her adult life; she formerly worked at her mother's restaurant, "The Teepee" in Effner, IN where she met the love of her life, Robert.  She enjoyed cooking, gardening, sewing, reading and loved animals.  She loved spending time with her friends and family and will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7pm on Tuesday, February 13th at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington.  Cremation will be accorded with burial of ashes at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Ark animal shelter in Lacon.