Lorna L. Brhel

WASHINGTON- Lorna L. Brhel, 74, of Washington and long-time Illinois resident, went home to be with the Lord on February 17, 2015 at 2:25AM at Washington Christian Village. Lorna was born July 8, 1940 in Moline to Frank C. and S. Joyce Griffin Hardy. She married her first and last blind date, Thomas G. Brhel on February 2, 1960 in Peoria. He went home to heaven on July 22, 2009. Surviving is her mother, Joyce of Canton; two daughters, Christina (Christopher) Flynn of Morton, and twin daughter, Joyce (Teodoro) Chavez of Spring, TX; three grandsons, Nicholas Flynn of Arlington, VA, Zachary (Leah) Flynn of Morton, and Lucian Chavez of Spring, TX; one granddaughter, Iliana Chavez of Spring, TX; one sister, Reba Mooney of Canton; and one niece, Heather Mooney of Cottonwood Heights, UT. She was preceded in death by her twin daughter, Mary on August 31, 1969; her father on July 25, 2008; brother-in-law, Michael Mooney on December 14, 2002; and nephew, Michael Lee Mooney II on January 22, 2007. Lorna graduated from Canton Senior High School in 1958 and attended Browns Business School, currently known as Midstate College in Peoria. Shortly after her marriage, her Air Force enlisted husband took her to Massachusetts. Two years later, they transferred to Coos Bay, Oregon and in 1966 they moved back to Illinois where Tom began working for Caterpillar Tractor Company. Lorna’s previous employment includes Norell Temp Agency, Brighton House, and she was an aide at John L. Hensey School in District 50. Upon Tom’s retirement in 2001, they became Texas snowbirds. Lorna loved traveling and camping all over North America, especially to Yellowstone National Park. Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandkids, whether it be camping, playing games, or watching them in their various activities. She was a member of Roland Manor Baptist Church in Sunnyland and as snowbirds, attended Northway Church of the Woodlands in Spring, TX, formerly Cornerstone Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Northern Tazewell Rescue Squad, 2445 Washington Road, Washington, IL 61571, or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital- Midwest Affiliate. A funeral service for Lorna will be held Saturday, February 21, 2015 at 11:00AM at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington. Pastor Steve Hardin will officiate. There will be a visitation prior to the service, from 9:00AM-11:00AM at the funeral home. Interment will be at Hillcrest Cemetery in Morton.

Lorna L. Brhel

July 8, 1940 - February 17, 2015