Theresa "Tess" Hill

Herrin- Theresa Tess Hill, 98, of Herrin, passed away at 3:42 PM, Friday, January 11, 2013 at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale. She was born November 11, 1914 in Herrin to John and Maria (Cattaneo) Calcaterra, who preceded her in death. After attending Herrin Township High School, she worked as a waitress at the Ly-Mar Caf, Nicks Caf and Grannemans Lunch Counter. Tess always felt that her vocation in life was to be a waitress and was proud of her work. She married Carl Ray Hill on October 3, 1960 in Vienna. He preceded her in death on June 13, 1978. They owned and operated the Wye Supply at the junction of Old IL Route 13 at what was formerly the South end of IL Route 148 (the Y). The Wye Supply became an institution in Southern Illinois, where folks would come from far and wide to buy cast iron cookware, china and pots and pans of every variety, and you name its. Their inventory was extraordinary. Her involvement continued until Carl preceded her in death in 1978 at the age of 68. An unforgettable character, Tess (Calcaterra) Hill was Italian-American with roots in Lombardy and her pride and ethnicity went to her very core. Anyone who met her at the Wye Supply or elsewhere would never forget her sparkling enthusiasm. Survivors include- Nephew- John Cook and wife Mary Anne of Novi, MI Great nephew- Stephen Cook of Novi, MI Many special friends, especially the McEvers family , who helped her through the waning days of a long, vigorous, happy and laugh filled life and Mary Barnes- Martin and Lorraine Berra, all whom she has known since the 1940s. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister- Dora Cook, cousin- John Berra and cousin in law- Mrs. Ren (Teresa) Berra. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, January 14, 2013 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Monsignor Ken Schaefer will officiate. Burial will follow at San Carlo Cemetery in Herrin. Visitation will be from 6-8:00 PM, Sunday, January 13, 2013 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. A brief prayer service will begin at 5:30 PM, Sunday at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to San Carlo Cemetery Fund and will be accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home/ 201 S. 13th St./ Herrin, IL 62948.