Elaine Purcell

Elaine was born October 27, 1920 to James Loren and Leta Pearl (Allard) Fletcher in Mason City. She married Edwin Russell Purcell of Brimfield, Illinois on January 1, 1948 in Mason City. He preceded her in death on March 14, 1995.

During her lifetime, Elaine worked in a variety of different jobs. As a young lady, she worked at the soda fountain counter of a local drugstore, followed by a saleslady at a jewelry store in Mason City. Elaine went on to work in the tool crib at the Caterpillar East Peoria plant from 1943 to 1951. After moving back to Mason City from Peoria in 1951, she worked as a grocery cashier at Kirby's Royal Blue, then as an Avon representative, and finally as a grocery cashier at Johnson's Super Valu, retiring in 1977. After retiring and moving to Pekin, she did food demos at area grocery stores.

She was also a homemaker who enjoyed cooking, baking, and having family get-togethers. She was responsible for organizing the first Allard family reunion in 1950 and was instrumental in continuing the tradition for nearly 40 years. She was also known for all the delicious candy and cookies she loved to make at Christmastime.

Elaine is survived by 1 daughter, Mary Beth (Bill) Brouch of Pekin; 1 brother, Nathan "Bud" (Hazel) Fletcher of Pekin; 1 step-daughter, Judy (Ed) Cosby of Elmwood; 5 step-grandchildren and their families; and 2 nephews and their families.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; 1 step-son; 1 niece; and 2 grand-nieces.

She was a former member of First United Methodist Church in Mason City.

Elaine's funeral will be at Noon, Saturday, May 10, 2008at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin chapel. Visitation will be from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m., Saturday. Burial will be in Mason City Cemetery in Mason City.

Memorial contributions may be made to Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, IL 61554 or to the American Cancer Society, 4234 N. Knoxville Avenue, Peoria, IL 61614.