Lillian Jean Moore's Obituary
Lillian Jeanette “Jean” Moore, 98, of Decatur passed from this earthly life on Friday, July 29, 2016 in Imboden Creek Living Center.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am Wednesday, August 3, 2016 in Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with Rev. Rick Weltin as Celebrant. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Illiopolis. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.
Jean was born September 7, 1917 in Niantic to Hugh and Sophia Woodall Moore. She enjoyed growing up on the family farm with seven siblings: John T. Moore, Mary Louise Moore Bollero, Joseph H. Moore, Agnes Moore Selle, Merle E. Moore, Earl M. Moore and George W. Moore, all now deceased. Two other siblings, Robert W. Moore and Margaret Ann Moore, died in infancy.
Jean graduated from Niantic High School in 1934 and St. John’s School of Nursing in 1940. She also attended Millikin University.
Jean proudly served in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps in Panama during World War II, 1942-1945. In addition to Jean, three of her brothers, Joe, Merle, and Earl, were also serving in the military at the same time. Their parents were thankful that all four returned safely from active duty.
Following the war, Jean began a successful career in the Veteran’s Administration hospitals, in Albuquerque, NM and Prescott, AZ. She held positions as head nurse and supervisor in the post surgical ward.
After her retirement in Prescott in 1976, Jean became totally involved and committed to the Senior Nutrition Program. She served as president and secretary-treasurer of the board. In 1993, she was named volunteer of the year.
Jean stayed very active after retirement, enjoying her hobbies of lapidary work, bird watching, crossword puzzles, and traveling with friends and family in her mini motor home. Her great joys for many years were her dogs, always of the Schipperke breed.
Jean returned to Decatur in 2000 due to her failing eyesight. She moved to Keystone Meadows where she made many friends. She distinguished herself in 2013 as winner of the Macon County Senior Spelling Bee, and finished fourth at the Illinois State Fair Senior Spelling Bee at age 95, competing against much younger spellers. A large crowd of Moore family members were there to cheer her on.
Her survivors include two nieces who have been devoted caregivers to her, Susanne Foster and Judith Selle. Other nieces include: Ann Sweeney, Jean Lawyer, Barbara Bollero, Mary Jo Bollero, Sharon Moore, JoEllen Moore, Janet Rayburn, and Madeline Craycroft. Surviving nephews are Howard Selle, Bill Selle, and Robert Moore. She was predeceased by two nephews, Michael Moore and James Moore.
The family would like to thank the staff of Keystone Meadows and Imboden Creek Living Center for their wonderful care of Jean.
The family of Lillian Jeanette “Jean” Moore is being served by Moran & Goebel Funeral Home, 2801 N. Monroe Street, Decatur, IL 62526. Send condolences and share memories with family at www.moranandgoebel.com.
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