Jessie Kasher

COAL CITY—Jessie Kasher, 93, and lifelong resident of Coal City, passed away Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025 at her home with her family at her side.
Born Oct. 17, 1931 in Coal City, Jessie Mae was a daughter of Joseph and Laura (Motta) Bertino. She was raised on the family farm and graduated from Coal City High School. On Jan. 19, 1952, Jessie married Joseph Kasher at Assumption Catholic Church, and together they made their home and raised their family in Coal City.
She began her working career at the Joliet Arsenal Army Ammunition Plant before gaining employment with the Coal City Bank. Jessie worked there for many years, working her way to the position of Head Bookkeeper, until her well earned retirement. She was a deeply religious woman and was a devout member of Assumption Catholic Church in Coal City. Jessie was the quintessential matriarch, not just to her children and grandchildren, but to many other people in her life. She had an open door policy in her home where many of the neighborhood kids and friends gathered often. Her table and food were always available, particularly her famous cherry squares, and she was affectionately known by many as "Grandma Jessie.
Jessie made the most of her retirement by being active in grandchildren's lives. She would often babysit for her grandchildren, and she wouldn't let distance separate her from her children, often travelling as far away as Alaska, California, and New Orleans. Jessie was a caring and compassionate person who was so generous with her time. She was beloved by so many and was fortunate enough to have shared lifelong memories with her dear friends Pam Tessler and the late Darlene Baber. And though Jessie will be missed dearly, comfort can be found in the fact she is reunited with her beloved husband, Joe.
Survivors include her children: Diane (John) D'Arcy, of Coal City; Karen (the late John) Maher, of New Orleans, LA; Linda (Joel) Micetich, of Coal City and Jeff (Chris) Kasher, of Diamond; 10 grandchildren: Jennifer (Randy) Ness, John (Gwen) D'Arcy, Ryan (Nicole) D'Arcy, Laura (fiancé: Colin) Maher, Jessie Maher, Mary (Phil) Estopinal, Jack Micetich, Joe (Ashley) Micetich, Nick Micetich and Sean (fiancé: Paityn) Micetich; 12 great-granchildren: Nolan, D'Arcy, Dillon and Collin Ness, Penny, Hazel, Johnny, Olivia, Duke, and Scout D'Arcy, John Estopinal and Hazel Micetich; and many nieces and nephews.
Jessie was preceded in death by her parents and husband; her brother, Joe Bertino, and her sister, Delores Vacca.
The family will receive friends at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 N. Broadway St., in Coal City on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025 from 4. to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be Friday, Sept. 12, 2025 at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church, 215 S. Kankakee St., in Coal City at 10 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Reverend Joshua Miller and assisted by Deacon William Dunn.
Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Braidwood, where Jessie will be laid to rest with her husband, Joe.
Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Jessie's memory to Assumption Catholic Church, 195 S. Kankakee St., Coal City, IL 60416 or to Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431.
Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto www.ReevesFuneral.com.
Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland, and Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Coal City.