Elizabeth E. Chaney

Elizabeth Eugenia Chaney, 93, of Washington, died at 3:40 pm, on February 9, 2017, at her home at the Villas of Hollybrook, surrounded by her family. Elizabeth was lovingly known as Liz and also as Bootsie by some family members. Liz was born February 28, 1923, in Peoria, Illinois, the daughter of Virgil and Eugenia “Gene” Fisher Martin. Elizabeth grew up with two sisters, Mary and Nancy, along with first cousins who remained close throughout their lives. Elizabeth and Mary enjoyed reading, museums, visiting the library and going to movies so much that they even skipped school a few times, took their lunch money, hopped on the trolley and enjoyed these activities. Elizabeth enjoyed her growing up years (with many stories to share) in a family full of love, gentle guidance, fun, stimulating conversation, compassion and roots established in reliance and faith in God. When Pearl Harbor was bombed and WWII began, Elizabeth came home and told her Mom and Dad that she was going to join the Navy as a Wave which she did in 1943. While stationed at Great Lakes Naval Base she met the love of her life, Robert Louis Chaney. They loved going to the grand ballrooms in Chicago and dancing the night away. They married June 7, 1944, three days prior to “Bob” being shipped overseas for 2 years. When the war ended and her husband returned home they made their home in Robein, and then Washington, Illinois where they raised their three children, Jeanne, Steve and John. Her children enjoyed the same upbringing that Elizabeth enjoyed and many fond memories were made. Extended family dinners together were enjoyed regularly and family always came first. Elizabeth and her husband enjoyed card games, church, friends, & travel together throughout their years together. Elizabeth was an avid reader. As she got older she only wanted to read Christian novels and fill her mind with things that were good, uplifting, and exciting at the same time. She loved historical novels and, especially her Bible. In her latter years, she had several caretakers who came to love their time with Mom and reading the Bible together. “Liz” graduated from Bradley University in 1956 when she was 33 years old and began her teaching career of 35 years for District 50. She taught 4th grade and returned to school to get her Masters in Reading so that she could begin a Special Reading Program for the District. She was responsible for writing the grant to bring the Title 1 Reading Program to District 50. After retiring from District 50 in 1984, she taught special reading part time at Pleasant View School. Elizabeth was very involved at Washington Christian Church usually in the area of teaching, directing Vacation Bible Schools, Director of Children’s Sunday School and leading early morning Bible studies. Her greatest love second only to her Lord was her family. Enjoying her children and grandchildren, her cousins, sisters and aunts with whom she played a game called Anagrams for 60 years up until just a couple months before her death. Elizabeth is survived by her sister, Nancy (Hugh) Piper of Peoria, children Jeanne (Jerry) Cimarosti of Normal, Steve (Marilyn) Chaney of Bloomington & John (Susan) Chaney of Washington; grandchildren, Heather (John) Brown, Scott Seath, Matthew (Sonya) Chaney, Mark Chaney, Rachel (Aaron) Neuenschwander, Sarah Lim, & David (Vanh) Lim; 12 great-grandchildren, two nieces and two nephews. Elizabeth was surrounded with loving caregivers as well as OSF Hospice which provided much help and support. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 from 3-5:00pm. Her funeral service will follow the visitation on Tuesday, at 5:00pm at Washington Christian Church. Pastor Jeff Browning will officiate. Inurnment will be at Glendale Cemetery in Washington. Memorials can be made to Washington Christian Church or Midwest Food Bank Peoria.

Elizabeth E. Chaney

February 28, 1923 - February 9, 2017