Mary "Babe" Mildred

Budreau

Mary “Babe” Mildred Budreau passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 1, 2026, in Rochester, Minnesota at the spry age of 99.

Mary was born in 1927 in Chicago to Headley Forward and Grace (Gowen) Fisher. After living a few years in Medford, Massachusetts, her family moved to her mother’s home state of Indiana. She attended school in Fowler. Mary married Eugene Budreau in 1949, and in 1954 they moved to Illinois where they raised their children Randy and Marla. The family enjoyed ice skating, camping, fishing trips, vacations in Florida, and time spent back “home” in Indiana. She was co-leader for Marla’s Camp Fire Girls and a strong supporter of Randy’s passion for hockey. Gene and Mary shared an active life together until his passing in 1987.

Mary began working in the telephone industry as a cord switchboard operator at Middle States Telephone Co. which later became Centel. She quickly rose to leadership positions, finishing her 25 year career at their Corporate Office. After her retirement, she became a telephone systems consultant and later worked the tax seasons at H & R Block.

Her fondest childhood memories were living with her grandparents on their farm in Brookston, Indiana with her pony Nicky. After retirement, she acquired horses for her granddaughter and herself. She also traveled out West to participate in a cattle drive which included overnight stays, barrel racing and target shooting. She had a free spirit as strong as the horses she loved.

In 2007, Mary moved to Candlewick Lake where she became an active community member, cultivating numerous friendships and enjoying Wednesday cards at the Rec Center. She was a devout member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Belvidere. She accompanied Randy on daily trips to the area dog parks making friends with both humans and fur babies. Her goal at the park was to keep in shape by walking 3 miles while the dogs played. At 98, she started working with a personal trainer at Peak Fitness so she could continue to stay active. Sessions with Amber were the highlight of her day.

Mary’s greatest joy was life itself. With her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Sofia and Ashton, she enjoyed movies, bike riding, fishing, playing games, and miniature golf. She made lasting memories with her granddaughter Tara and niece Pat riding horses and competing in county fairs. She was a faithful and supportive fan of her grandson John’s sports activities. Times spent with her sisters Sue, “Toots” and Alice Jane was always special for her. Mary cherished ALL of her extended family, friends, strangers, animals, nature and the ocean. She had a signature smile to greet everyone she met. She will be missed beyond words.

Mary is survived by her children Randall Budreau, Marla (Duane) Shepley; grandchildren Tara Goy, John Shepley; great-grandchildren Sofia Goy, Ashton Goy; sister Sue Bowers; faithful canine companion Sammy; and nieces and nephews too numerous to mention.

Along with her parents and husband, Mary was preceded in death by her sister Alice DiOrio, stepsister Alice Webster, and stepbrother Lawson Fisher, plus an abundant number of in-laws and extended family members.

Funeral Service will be, Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 10 AM (CST), at Holy Family Episcopal Church, 217 E. Hurlbut Ave, Belvidere, IL. A Celebration of Mary's Life, will be Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 1-4 PM (CST), at Candlewick Lake Rec Center (Enter at Main Gate) 13400 Hwy 76, Poplar Grove, IL (Rec Center address: 1812 Candlewick Dr SW, Poplar Grove, IL). Graveside Services will be, Monday, November 23, 2026, at 11 AM (EST), at Fowler Cemetery, 465 W. Division Road, Fowler, IN. Donations in her memory may be made to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 217 Hulburt Ave., Belvidere, Illinois, 61008 or a charity of personal choice. Shoemaker Funeral Home, Otterbein, is assisting Mary's Family. Visit www.shoemakerfh.com or Shoemaker Funeral Home- Otterbein, Indiana Facebook page to leave any condolences or to share a memory of Mary.