Mary Beth Van Eenwyk Hallett

Mary Beth Van Eenwyk Hallett, Bloomington Indiana Grandmother, mother, teacher, role model, and hero to many, Mary Beth Van Eenwyk Hallett died peacefully on Tuesday February 20th after a long dance with cancer. She was 81 years old. In her final days she was surrounded by family and enveloped in love. She had a profound impact on countless people, will be deeply missed, and remembered always. Born on October 16th, 1942 in Sodus New York, she was the daughter of John Franklin Van Eenwyk and Dorothy Van Eenwyk (Richter). Mary is survived by her husband of 56 years, Timothy J. Hallett; her brother, John R. Van Eenwyk (Juliet); her daughter Katherine Putman (Noel), her son, Tim Hallett (Tamara); her grandchildren, Nicholas Putman, Matthew Putman, Jack Hallett, and Wesley Hallett; her close family friends, David A. Krooks and Judith D. Maltby; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Nancy Alice Russell (Van Eenwyk). Mary graduated from Sodus Central High School, and then earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Syracuse University in New York, and a Master of Fine Arts from Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills Michigan. She established the metalsmithing program at Mankato State College (now Minnesota State University, Mankato), and was renowned for her artwork in the medium of silver. Her crowning piece is the altar cross at the Episcopal Chapel of St. John the Divine at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. With her husband, the Reverend Timothy J. Hallett, she nurtured both the congregation and campus ministry at the Chapel from 1976-2011. For many of those years, she was a mentor in the Education for Ministry program offered by the School of Theology at the University of the South (Sewanee). She was also heavily involved in the leadership of the Episcopal Society for Ministry in Higher Education. Mary loved fun (and gin martinis), and hosted innumerable gatherings at the parish rectory, from the raucous to the personal. There was always a pot of coffee to be shared at the kitchen table, and time for conversation. Mary provided friendship, counsel, laughter, and love to any and all. She became a prized substitute teacher in the Urbana Public School System, known especially for her care of students with special needs. She loved children, and was a long-time block mother, crossing guard, and church school teacher. In 2011, Mary and her husband retired to Bloomington, Indiana to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Mary was an instant hit at Trinity Episcopal Church and at WonderLab, where she volunteered. She quickly became a part of the Bloomington community and made many friends because of her kindness and good humor. Funeral services will be held at the Chapel of St. John the Divine in Champaign, IL on April 6th 3:00 pm Central Time. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Chapel of St. John the Divine, or to the charity of one’s choice. Allen Funeral Home and Crematory 4155 South Old State Road 37 Bloomington, Indiana is handling the arrangements and online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with fall and friends at www.allencares.com

Tributes

Mary Beth Van Eenwyk Hallett

October 16, 1942 - February 20, 2024