Eileen Conover

 

Mary Eileen Conover, 66, of Galesburg, died peacefully, Saturday, December 13, 2014 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, with her family by her side.

Eileen was born April 12, 1948 in Monmouth, the daughter of William Edward and Mary Margaret Mills Flanagan.  She married James N. Conover on May 8, 1971 in St. Augustine, IL.  He preceded her in death on November 9, 2000.  Eileen is survived by her daughter, Julie and her husband Tony Solliday of San Clemente, CA; her son, Christopher of Kewanee; two brothers, William Flanagan of Peoria and David Flanagan of Phoenix, AZ; and her sister, Jean Prina of St. Petersburg, FL; and her two beloved grandchildren, Tony (6) and Ava (4) Solliday.  Including her husband Jim, Eileen was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Michael Flanagan on November 6, 2014.

Eileen graduated from Avon High School.  She received her BA from Northern Illinois University and continued taking graduate classes during her career.  Eileen loved being a fourth grade teacher at Nielson Grade School in Galesburg for many years, retiring in 2007 after teaching multiple generations of students.   Her biggest joy came being a grandmother cherishing her time with her grandchildren.  Spending time with her family and friends brought her the most happiness whether it be in her living room or on a family vacation.  

Visitation will be 4 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 1 7, 2014 at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg.  A prayer service will follow at 6:30 p.m.  Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Rev. William T. Miller, IC will officiate.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.  A luncheon will follow at the Thomas Legacy Center at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory.  Memorials may be made in Eileen’s memory to Costa Catholic Academy or to Neilson Grade School.  Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.