Phyllis Jean (James) Hegland

Phyllis Jean Hegland (nee James), age 93, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 28, 2021 at the Joliet Area Community Hospice Home with her loving family by her side.

Phyllis is survived by her children, Bobbie (Lynn) Pollesch, Sherry (Jim) McNeill, James Hegland and Kathy (Gary) Delaney; grandchildren, Bob, Cary and Steven Gillespie, Johnny and Nicholas McNeill, Kate (Gertjan) Kardol, Michael (Richelle) Delaney; 8 great-grandchildren; siblings, Shirley Weese, Beverly James and Robert James; numerous nieces and nephews; and dear friend, Char Ward.

Preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Elizabeth “Bessie” (nee Spelman) James; sisters, Lois Anderson, Betty James and Nancy Frieh; and one brother, Bill James.

Phyllis retired from AT&T (formerly Illinois Bell) as a long distance operator after 35 years of service. She volunteered for 30 years at the Rialto Square Theater as the backstage meeting area personnel and was always excited to meet the celebrities. Phyllis was a master seamstress creating everything from the grandkids Halloween costumes to a one of a kind wedding gown for her niece. She enjoyed knitting for herself, fashioning her own homemade sweaters and was known to deliver her hand made premie caps to Morris Hospital Labor and Delivery. Phyllis also enjoyed gardening and canning and was an avid Chicago Cubs fan that was always ready to turn on the game. Phyllis was proud to say she kissed the Blarney Stone in 2008 during her trip to Ireland with her daughter Bobbie. In her retirement she proudly learned how to play the piano. Phyllis held a strong Catholic Faith throughout her life and was a parishioner of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Minooka. She will be remembered for her great sense of humor and her loving motherly care. She will be truly missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Phyllis’ name to Joliet Area Community Hospice would be appreciated.

A celebration of Phyllis’ life will begin on Monday, April 5, 2021 with a visitation at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The family invites relatives and friends to join them on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Minooka for a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Elmhurst Cemetery in Joliet. Face masks and social distancing must be observed.