Shirley June Tassart

She was born on April 12, 1933, in Pekin to Joseph A. and Luella M. (VonBoeckman) Breaden. Shirley married Henry A. "Hank" Tassart on June 24, 1951, in Creve Coeur. He preceded her in death on October 22, 2018, in Peoria.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; four sisters, Marilyn Breaden, Helen Wright, Mary Bright, and Betty Shelton; one brother, James Breaden; and her beloved Basset Hounds, Perrywinkle, Gambler, and Arnold.

Shirley is survived by her son, Jeff (Mary) Tassart of Pekin; two grandchildren, Janelle Tassart of Phoenix, Arizona and J.J. (Jenna) Tassart of Pekin; and several nieces and nephews.

Shirley initially worked at Caterpillar, but became a homemaker for many years before returning to the workplace in various administrative roles.

She and Hank were avid Cubs fans and traveled throughout the country during their marriage. Shirley spent several of the last winters enjoying the warm winter weather with family in Mesa and Kingman, Arizona. She loved going to both horse and dog races, intensely studying the program but always ending up betting on the favorite and usually faring much better at days end than the rest of her party.

Shirley was an outstanding cook and baker. Her basement turned into a literal Christmas cookie factory each December and she then distributed massive cookie trays to friends, family, and local businesses that she supported throughout the year.

She was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church in Pekin and long time supporter of Guardian Angel Basset Hound Rescue in Dwight.

Her funeral will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home in Pekin. Rev. Judy Doyle will officiate. Visitation will be from 10:00 am to 11:00 am also on Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church at https://pekinfirst.org/give or Guardian Angel Basset Rescue at https://4agc.com/donate/basset-rescue

Shirley lived in the same Pekin home for over 70 years before residing the past year at Charter Senior Living of Pekin. The family would like to express deep gratitude to Charter for the outstanding care, compassion, and fun that they provided over this period.  

Online condolences may be shared with Shirley's family at www.preston-hanley.com