EMINGTON – Mary Jeanne Canham, 75, Emington, passed away June 5, 2021 at Piper City Rehabilitation Center, Piper City, Illinois. Cremation rites have been accorded. A private service will be held at a later date according to her wishes. Duffy – Baier – Snedecor Funeral Home, Pontiac, is in charge of arrangements. Jeanne was born January 4, 1946 in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Frank and Irene (King) Smolik. She married LaVerne Canham Jr. on July 1, 1967 and enjoyed 54 years of marriage. Surviving are her husband, LaVerne Canham Jr.; her daughter, Julie (Chadd) Morrissy; and her grandson, Ethan. Also surviving are two brothers: Jerry (Mary) Smolik and Neil (Judy) Smolik. She will be greeted in heaven by her daughter, Laura; her parents, Frank and Irene; her sister, Patty; and her in-laws, LaVerne Canham, Sr. and Connie Canham. Jeanne grew up in South Wilmington and enjoyed the sand and sun. She met Verne at the South Wilmington Fireman’s Club and they married two years later. After living out of state, Verne and Jeanne returned to the farm with their two girls in tow in 1979. Jeanne had obtained her teaching degree, graduating with honors from Edgewood College in Wisconsin. She taught for a time at Tri-Point and subbed in area schools. Her favorite place was in the kitchen, where she spent time mastering any recipe she found. Jeanne loved to read, sing and craft, but most of all, she loved hanging out with her grandson and baking cookies with him. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to OSF Hospice. Online condolences may be made to the family at: duffyfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.

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