Bessie Aileen McElroy's Obituary
Decatur-Bessie Aileen (Ozier) McElroy, 89, passed away Saturday, November 16, 2013 in Fair Havens Christian Home.
A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Bessie’s life will be held 11:00 am, Wednesday, November 20, 2013 at St. Thomas Catholic Church 2155 North Union St. in Decatur, with Father Rick Weltin, Celebrant. A visitation from 10:00 am until the time of service at the church. Interment will be at St. Isidore Cemetery, Bethany, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Thomas Catholic Church or to Good Shepherd Manor.
Bessie was born December 4, 1923 in Jonathan Creek, Illinois, the daughter of Ernest and Mabel (Eastin) Ozier. Bessie was a devoted wife and a loving mother and grandmother. Bessie was happiest when she was surrounded by her family. Some of her family’s fondest memories of their mom were the camping trips, board games and the family get togethers. Bessie was a member of St. Thomas Church. Bessie enjoyed drinking coffee, being outdoors, gardening and bird watching. Bessie married Edward M. McElroy in Chicago, Illinois on October 20, 1945.They had sixty five years together before he passed away on May 30, 2011.
When I Think of You!!
I can still smell the scent of Palmolive.
And the feel of your warm soft hands upon my cheek.
I smell the Ben Gay you have rubbed upon many
A child’s leg. And feel the soft warm kisses you
Planted on our cheeks.
We cannot forget famous stories you have told
Like the “Tail-Lee_O” and when baking it was Oleo.
Sliding on the basement floor, cocktail table
Made from a door.
I had no idea of your sacrifices until I
Had children, Now….
You always let us venture out into the nearby woods or creek.
The scarifies you made were many….
The hopes and dreams you had for yourself would wait because of six hungry children that couldn wait.
I can smell the white shoulders, big problems that seemed like boulders you would reduce
To small pebbles.
As a child, I worried about nothing, you
Did the job of making me feel safe and secure.
Tho, I know your worries must have been
Many, if there were major probs….
I wasn’t aware of any.
And so I know you did the best job
Ever, of being a mother
And that is why, I will love
You, forever.
Bessie is survived by sons, Marc McElroy of Momence, IL, Matthew McElroy and wife Tammy of Decatur, and Michael McElroy of Decatur, daughters, Mary Sampson and husband Gary of Decatur, and Margo Probst of Effingham, grandchildren Meredith, Kurt, Shannon, Taylor, Max, Zach, Jared, Eric, Mallory, Mitchell and Timothee, son-in-law, Dennis Dumyahn, brother Wayne Ozier and wife Cynthia of Shelbyville, sister Dorothy Albert and husband Roger of Iowa.
Bessie is greeted into Heaven by her parents, husband Edward, daughter Monica Dumyahn, sister Mary Elenora Cooper of Texas and brother Paul Ozier of Lovington.
The family of Bessie McElroy is being served by Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services. 2801 N. Monroe Street, Decatur, Illinois. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.moranandgoebel.com.
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