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1940 Jeanette 2016

Jeanette Cleary

June 13, 1940 — February 20, 2016

El Paso-Jeanette "Jean" Cleary, 75, of rural El Paso passed away at 11:10 am on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at Advocate BroMenn in Normal.

Her mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in El Paso. Fr. Don Roszkowski will officiate. Visitation will be held from 9-11 am before the service at the Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home in El Paso. Burial will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or American Heart Association.

Jean was born on June 13, 1940 in Bloomington, IL a daughter of Orion and Anne Kober Thomas. She married Dennis "Dinger" Cleary on February 23, 1963 at Holy Trinity in Bloomington. He survives.

Also surviving are her children, Ann (Marty) Dawson; Tom (Julie) Cleary; Susan (Scott) Mitchell; and John (Angela) Cleary all of El Paso; her grandchildren, Garrett Dawson, Rachel and Brooke Cleary, Ashley and Jordan Mitchell, Brigid Cleary; and her brother Steve (Joyce) Thomas of Ocean Springs, MS.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Roseanne Moore, formerly of Lexington, and one nephew Greg Moore.

Jean was born and raised in Bloomington. She attended St. Mary's Grade School, Bloomington High School (for office occupations), and graduated from University High School in 1958. She worked for First Federal Bank in the late 50's and early 60's. Once married she stayed home raising their 4 children on the family farm just south of El Paso.

The entire family enjoyed many years together at the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. Jean and Dennis enjoyed many winters at Fort Myers Beach in Florida. Over the years Jean was very active with her children teaching CCD classes, leading Scouts, coaching softball, room mother activities at school, and attending nearly every event. For many years she was active with the Altar and Rosary Society at St. Mary's. She was on a ladies bowling league, a women's golf group, and was a polling judge during elections for many years. Jean had a great heart and was always willing to volunteer to help others.

Jean enjoyed spending time with her 6 grandchildren and attending many of their events from ball games, show choir, concerts, and other outings. She was "Grandma's Taxi" to and from many practices. She loved watching her grandchildren and cared deeply for each one of them.

Jean was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She will be dearly missed.

The Cleary family would like to thank her former in-home nurse, Michelle, Sugar Creek Alzheimer's Facility, Meadows Mennonite Home, Advocate BroMenn Staff, plus Comfort Care Staff, Proctor Hospital, as well as friends and family for all of their support and prayers during this difficult time. May God bless you!

Visitation

FEB 27. 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM (CST)

Ruestman-Harris - El Paso
40 West Main Street
El Paso, IL 61738

Funeral Mass

FEB 27. 11:00 AM (CST)

St. Mary's Catholic Church
79 W. Third Street
El Paso, IL 61738

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jeanette "Jean" Cleary, please visit our floral store.

To send flowers to the family in memory of Jeanette Cleary, please visit our flower store.

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