Jennie Dunnigan

Jennie M. Dunnigan, 93, of Springfield and a former resident of Illinois Presbyterian Home, died at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at Lewis Memorial Christian Village. Jennie was born January 22, 1916 in Springfield, the daughter of John and Boleslowa Dobrznewska Davsko. She married Virgil Dunnigan and he preceded her in death. Jennie was a graduate of Feitshans High School and worked for the State of Illinois Department of Revenue until her retirement. She enjoyed many years of traveling with her husband Virgil and shared wonderful stories with all the nieces and nephews. She was an avid poker player and hardly missed a Saturday night around the table with her relatives and friends playing penny ante poker. The games often turned into hilarious variations culminating in her favorite, "spit in the ocean." She loved her cats, old movies, and many other simple pleasures of life. She enjoyed reading the newspaper. When her eyesight deteriorated she would often say how she missed reading the paper. She loved the color pink and would wear outfits and sweaters that always had pink in them. She loved "Fannie May" chocolates and always had some on hand that she would share. In talking with her these last few years we found out some of her absolute favorite songs and we would sing them with her. Some of them are: You Are My Sunshine, Que Sera Sera, Oh How We Danced On The Night We Were Wed, and It's a Long Way to Tipperary. Aunt Jennie loved getting "chicken" sandwiches from McDonald's and the GOOD coffee that her nephew John would get her. In her younger years she would take the bus downtown and she would stop at the B & Z Bakery to snatch up some goodies. She was so sweet and never complained. When you called and she would answer the phone with a cheerful "Howdy-do" and always ask how your day was going. She was the "Golden Girl" and we will all cherish our memories of "Aunt Jennie". She is also preceded in death by her parents; sister, Eleanor Daniliuk; and brother, John Leo Davsko, Sr. She is survived by her sister in-law, Helen Davsko; four nephews, Lance (wife, Marilyn) Davsko, John (wife, Sue) Davsko, Jr., Larry (wife, Rita) Davsko all of Springfield, and John (wife, Judy) Daniliuk of Frankfort, IL; niece, Julie Stever of Towson, MD; and several great-nieces and nephews and several great-great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her lifelong friend, Della Gregor. Family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of funeral mass at 11:00 a.m. on April 6, 2009 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Illinois Presbyterian Home, 2005 W. Lawrence Ave., Springfield, IL 62704, or Hospice Care of Illinois, 720 N. Bond St., Springfield, IL 62702.