Mary Ellen Picco

Mary Ellen Picco, 88, a resident of Springfield since 1935, died at 8:25 p.m. on Tuesday, August 1, 2006 at St. John’s Hospice. Mary Ellen was born on March 24, 1918 in Franklin, the daughter of Henry and Olive Vollmer Lukeman. She married John M. Picco, Jr. on November 21, 1942 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. She graduated from Franklin High School. She was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Altar and Rosary Society and St. Louise de Marillac Guild. She had been employed at The Mill Restaurant and during WWII at Neumode Hosiery. Mary Ellen was also a homemaker. Mary Ellen was a very caring wife, mother and grandmother who would always place others first. She was a member of the Brinkerhoff Home Association and served as a Samaritan at St. John’s Hospital. She was a huge baseball fan. She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Margaret Blackhurst. She is survived by her husband, John M. Picco of Springfield; two daughters: Joyce Ann (husband, Allen) Hinds of Springfield and Mary Jane (husband, Jeffrey) Rawlings of Springfield; six grandchildren: Michele Greenwood, Brett Hinds, Jennifer Swales, Brian Hinds, Brad Rawlings and Courtney Rawlings; one great grandson, Riley Hinds; one sister: Henrietta Hayes of Springfield and several nieces, nephews and cousins The family welcomes friends to visit from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 3, 2006 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m. Additional Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 4, 2006 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 4, 2006 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1725 S. Walnut, Springfield with Rev. David Hoefler celebrant. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association, Always and Forever Memorial & Honor’s Program, 2580 Federal Dr., Suite 403, Decatur, IL 62526 or St. John’s Hospice, 800 E Carpenter, Springfield, IL 62702. The family of Mary Ellen Picco is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield.