Obituary of Cecilia Smith

Cecilia Ellen Smith, age 94, of Peoria passed away at Villas of Holly Brook in Pekin on Monday, August 7, 2017. She was born to the late Joseph Benedict and Mary Rozella (Graham) Killelea on August 28, 1922 in Ottawa. She married John W. Smith on September 15, 1945 in Joliet, and they celebrated 43 years of marriage before his passing on July 25, 1989. She was also preceded in death by her brother James Joseph Killelea; sisters, Bernice Elizabeth Killelea, Edna Onderisin, and Mary McTague. Cecilia is survived by her children, Barbara (Dale) Bailliez of Glasford, Lawrence (Jane) Smith of Vernon Hills, Christine (Richard) Schrepfer of Peoria, David (Lori) Smith of Chillicothe, Maureen (Robert) Byrd of Franklin, TN, Timothy (Alice) Smith of Franklin, TN, and Shellie (Curt) Schwanke of Eureka; her grandchildren, Shawn (Whitney) Bailliez, Lisa (Lon) Kennelly, Britton (Heather) Smith, Breland Smith, Laura Langhout Hill, Adam Schrepfer, Amy Schrepfer, Ann (Jeff) Culler, Bryan Smith, Andrea Smith, Maggie Smith, Matt Byrd, Patrick (Caitlin) Byrd, Shannon Byrd, Lynette (Lee) Hess, Ryan Smith, Leslie Clark, Lauren (David) Badger, Katie Schwanke; 15 great-grandchildren; numerous other family members; and her beloved dog Nala. Cecilia worked as a Nurse at Methodist Hospital, and then for Caterpillar in Accounts Payable for 10 years. She was a woman of strong faith and a member of Northwoods Community Church. She enjoyed hiking, crossword puzzles, and camping. At 87 years of age, Cecilia was the oldest person to deliver newspapers for Peoria Journal Star. She delivered papers for 66 years, from 1958-2009. A funeral service for Cecilia will be held at Northwoods Community Church on Tuesday, August 15, 2017 at 11:00 AM. Pastor Dave Bucknam will officiate. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the funeral service at the church. Burial will be held at a later date. Memorial donations in honor of Cecilia may be made to Youth for Christ, Peoria. Cecilia's online memorial website may be viewed at www.cumerford.com