Mary Christine (Bergdolt) Slider

Mary Christine Bergdolt Slider, 68, of Carterville, passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at home, with her husband by her side.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 17, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church in Carterville, with Pastor Larry Gilbert and Pastor Tena Bigham officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., Saturday, at the church. Celebration of Life dinner will follow after the service in the CFUMC Fellowship Hall.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Anne West Lindsey District Library in Carterville or to the CFUMC.

Mary was born on December 7, 1957, in Chicago, to Louis Allen and Doris Marie (Schnelle) Bergdolt. She married Lt. Col. William Zehring Slider on February 18, 1994, in Columbia, South Carolina, whom she met in Germany during Operation Desert Storm.

She is survived by her husband, Bill Slider; step-daughters, Elizabeth Cuevas (fiancé, Brandon Switzer), and Catherine (Jeremy) Read; sisters, Beth Marie (Beau) Parker and Anita (David) Chanoux; brother, Fred (Debi Heuring) Bergdolt; sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Catalano, and Barbara Walker; brother-in-law, Barry (Dorthy) Slider; step-mother, Elinor Bergdolt; step-grandchildren, twins: Molly and Maddy Read, Abbey Fontan, Ashley Bunn, and Aiden Cuevas; and many nephews and nieces.  

Mary was preceded in death by her parents.

Mary was a member of First United Methodist Church in Carterville, Carbondale Elks Lodge #1243, American Legion Auxiliary Post 127, Zeta Tau Sorority, the Little Egypt Art Association, and Black Sheep Spinners. She also belonged to several professional organizations, including the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese, the Illinois Council of Teachers of Foreign Languages, the National Art Education Association, and the Illinois Art Education Association.

Mary earned her BA in Art Education and BS in Art Therapy, with a minor in Spanish, from the University of Evansville in 1980. She later obtained her MA in Secondary Education from Murray State University in 1992.

Mary had varied work experiences upon graduating including recreation therapist at Evansville Psychiatric Children’s Center 1979, PR Coordinator Indiana State Museum, 1981 and Property Manager New Harmony State Memorial 1981-1983.

She began her teaching career at West Hopkins High School in Nebo, Kentucky, where she taught art and Spanish to grades 9–12 from 1983 to 1987. From 1987 to 1994 and 1995-1998, Mary taught art and Spanish to kindergarten through 12th-grade students for the Department of Defense Dependent Schools, serving in Keflavik, Iceland; Fulda and Wiesbaden, Germany; and Izmir, Turkey. Upon her return to the states she taught four levels of Spanish at Frankfort Community High School 1998-2018, the last tow years also teaching art.

In her free time, Mary enjoyed playing rugby in the 1980’s, was an avid skier, scuba diver, and enjoyed swimming and loved to travel. Upon retirement, Mary engaged in many media of art including painting and fiber arts such as weaving, and basket making.

She is remembered as one who would light up a room when she entered and by her ingratiating smile. Mary was one who always was mindful of the needs of others. She was an articulate conversationalist who entranced all who cared to engage.

Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home assisted the family with cremation services. 

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