Aug. 22, 1928 — May 19, 2014

Mary Catherine Arnold, 85, of Niles, died Monday, May 19, 2014, at Lakeland Community Hospital in Niles, unexpectedly but following an extended illness.

She was born Aug. 22, 1928, in Niles to Joseph and Catherine (Fettic) Bechtel.

Mary graduated from Niles High School in 1946. She was employed by Niles Community Schools as lunch hostess at Oak Manor School for more than 20 years and also a homemaker all the while. Mary was a member of Saint Mark Catholic Church in Niles and active in the Christian Mothers group. She was an avid Cubs fan and enjoyed baking, playing board games and visiting the beach.

On Sept. 11, 1948, at Saint Mary Catholic Church in Niles, Mary married Norman Arnold, who survives with their children Kim Arnold of Union City, Georgia, Kay O’Connor of Niles, Kerry (Mary Ann) Arnold of Niles and Kreg (Delphine) Arnold of Rolling Prairie, Indiana. Also surviving are grandchildren, Ryan (Kelly) Huling of Dowagiac, Richard Porter of Niles and Jordan Arnold of Niles, great-grandchildren Faith, Mara and Zeb and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, one brother and one sister.

The mass of Christian burial for Mary Catherine Arnold will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 22, 2014, at Saint Mark Catholic Church in Niles by the Rev. Thomas King, C.S.C. of the parish. Committal Rites will follow at Mission Hills.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, 2014, at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with recitation of The Rosary beginning at 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mary may be made to Saint Mark Catholic Church, Niles.

www.halbritterfunerals.com