Agnes Marie Hesse, 76, of Burgaw, NC (formerly of Godfrey, Illinois) after a beautiful and fulfilling life, passed away into the loving arms of Jesus on Friday, May 31, 2013 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on April 12, 1937 to Theodore and Mary Droste; one of 11 children. She grew up on an asparagus farm, developing a strong work ethic very early in life, graduating from Marquette High School in Godfrey, IL in 1955. For most of her life, Agnes was a homemaker who loved her family with all her heart. She will be greatly missed. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her love and care were constant as she raised her family and taught countless life lessons to help each on their way. At family gatherings she could always be found holding one of her many "precious, darling, lovable" babies.
Agnes was a devout Catholic and lived her faith every day as a shining example to everyone. She was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church for 42 years where she served in many capacities, a few of which were Faith Formation Teacher, Church Cleaning Committee, and Spaghetti Supper Volunteer. For many years she sent church birthday and anniversary cards. She also went to Eucharistic Adoration weekly.
Agnes worked as an Administrative Assistant at Electronic Components Corporation in Burgaw from 1978 to 1986. She worked at Kerr Drug from 1988 until her retirement in 2001.
Agnes is survived by her loving husband, Louis F. Hesse, Jr.; Eight children: Jean (Jeff) Corbett of Raleigh, Louis (Robin) Hesse, Diane Hesse, Lisa (Richard) Mantooth, Steven Hesse, Bill (Angie) Hesse, Don (Julie) Hesse, all of Burgaw, and Larry (Gina) Hesse of Raleigh; Sixteen grandchildren: Brandon, Jonathan, Christopher (Megan), Travis (Liz), KerrieAnn, Leigh Ann, Deanna, Hilary, Addison, Thomas, Emily, Taylor, Gracie, Nick, Lauren, and Christian; Three great-grandchildren: Lila Rae, Sawyer, and Hudson; Five sisters: Sr. M. Juliana Droste of the Franciscan Sisters of Mary, Sr. Mary Delores Droste of the Order of St. Ursula, Julie Mulrean, Sr. Clara Droste of the Franciscan Sisters of Mary, Gertie Droste, Two brothers: George Droste and Paul Droste. She is preceded in death by her father Theodore Droste, mother Mary Droste, twin sister Agatha (who died at birth), brother Ben Droste, sister Sr. Mary Ann of the Dominican Order, and brother David Droste.
Private Visitation for family, parishioners, and close friends will be held Wednesday, June 5th 6:00 to 8:00pm at the home: 803 Whrens Street, Burgaw. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, June 6th 1:00pm at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 1303 Hwy 117 South, Burgaw. Internment to follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Duke Cancer Center, St. Joseph's Church, Lower Cape Fear Hospice.