Deanna M Purcell

Deanna M. Purcell, 80, of Washington, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family at 2:25pm, Wednesday, February 22, 2017, at her residence, The Villas of Holly Brook in Washington, IL. She was born on February 19, 1937 in Peoria, IL the daughter of Edwin and Helen Branthaver Bredine. She married Robert Purcell on December 10, 1960 in Morton, IL. Surviving are her husband of Washington, one son Mark (Sheila) Purcell of Sedona, AZ and their children Nicole and Allie; Laurie (Lee) Kinsinger of Washington, IL and their children, Ben, Morgan and Weston; Karen (Greg) Mortimer of Denver, CO and their children Brianna and Gabriel; and Paula (James) Hanes of Washington, IL and their children Amanda and Aaron. Also surviving is one sister Jeanne Toftner of Cincinnati, OH. "My mother had a slender, small body, but a large heart -- a heart so large that everybody's joys found welcome in it, and hospitable accommodation." - Mark Twain. Dee was a lover of life and laughter, a doting Mom and an active community member during her long life on earth. A 1955 graduate of Morton Township High School, Dee's intellect could have accommodated nearly any career, but she determined to devote her time to raising her four children in Washington, IL. She actively sought opportunities to help her children grow in their talents and interests by involving them in music, sports, arts and crafts, 4-H, Grange, camping trips, and multiple community service adventures. Dee enjoyed gardening to the end that her children would turn up their noses at frozen green beans in preference for her home-canned varieties. The Purcell home became the gathering place for neighborhood talent shows, popsicle feasts and Washington High School musical cast parties. Dee and Bob helped usher their children into a well-rounded global world view by hosting international servicemen from Chanute Air Force Base for multiple weekends, welcoming a Vietnamese refugee into their home, and hosting international students. Guests from all over the world, including Spain, Vietnam, Poland, Germany, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Canada, Iran, South Korea, the Philippines, Thailand and France basked in the Purcell hospitality. Dee loved to travel and beyond exploring every corner of the USA, she traveled to Europe, China and Africa, with a special emphasis on visiting family and friends around the world. Dee was an avid animal lover who adored the dogs and cats who were blessed to grace her home. She also collected dolls which she lovingly displayed. Dee's grandchildren became her pride and joy and she was known as the family member who delighted each grandbaby with her "SO big" exclamations. As the grandchildren grew up, Dee and Bob traveled far and wide to be sure not to miss any of their performances or activities as well as including them in many special travel adventures. Dee was very active in Grange, locally at Hopewell Grange, but also through state and national activities, including service with Bob as State Grange Youth Directors. Throughout her life, one strong demonstration of faith was her involvement with the ecumenical gospel singing group, the EcuKeys with whom she sang for 40 years. For the past 15 years, Dee and Bob enjoyed their annual migration to Paradise Resort in Sun City, Arizona, which became their second home. Dee relished the time there to swim, plan parties, host guests and attend church where she served on the missions committee. Dee was a lifelong member of Community United Church of Christ in Morton, which her father helped to construct. Dee loved to soak up each Reader's Digest issue, laugh uproariously at the comics, play games and was a great sport in being the center of many family jokes - including a running 'favorite son-in-law contest' gag. Along with her many other attributes, Dee will be missed for her quick wit, her servant heart and her devotion to her family. Funeral Services for Dee are scheduled for 10:00AM, Monday, February 27, 2017, at Community Church of Christ, 300 N. Main St., Morton. Rev. Laurie Hill will officiate. Visitation will be Sunday, February 26, 2017, from 4:00PM until 6:00PM at Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington. Further visitation will be one-hour prior to her service at the church. Burial will immediately follow her service at Hillcrest Memory Gardens in Morton. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name may be given to her church or International Friendships, Inc., PO Box 82416, Columbus, OH 43202. Please designate to the ministry of Jim & Paula (Purcell) Hanes, by putting Hanes in the memo line. Memories and condolences may be shared at masonfuneralhomes.com.