Cora Marie Olinger, 91 of rural Galesburg, was called to her heavenly home Friday morning, January 29, 2021, peacefully at home.
She was born September 19, 1929 in Knox County, the daughter of Sidney F. and Cora M. (Jones) Smith. She married Stanley L. Olinger on August 15, 1954 at the Abingdon Christian Church.
Marie is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Stanley; two daughters, Deane (Larry) Honbo of Westmont and Donna (Scott) Browne of Berwick; three grandchildren, Bryan (Tiffany) Browne, Kylie (Tim) Smith and Cannon Honbo; two great-grandchildren, Ryker Browne and Braylen Browne; and nieces, nephews, cousins and their families.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Vera Grimes and two brothers, infant Sidney J. Smith and LaVerne Smith.
She graduated from Gilson High School in 1947 and later attended Western Illinois University. She was a school teacher, a substitute teacher and a homemaker. She was a member of the Abingdon Christian Church and the Knox County Association of Home and Community Education. She was a Girl Scout and 4-H Leader. She was a member of the Abingdon Pottery Club, Abingdon Historical Society, Red Hat Society, the Abingdon Garden Club, and Illinois Wheat Weavers Association. She and Stanley were avid bird watchers, specifically Bluebirds and Hummingbirds.
Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, visitation will be held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday at the Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Abingdon Chapel. The family will not be present. Facemasks and social distancing guidelines will be followed. Private services will be held Thursday, February 4, 2021 at the chapel with Rev. Will Brown officiating. Cremation will follow the service. Those wishing to attend the funeral “virtually” may watch the live broadcast at 11 a.m. Thursday on the funeral home’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Hinchliff-Pearson-West-Funeral-Directors-and-Cremation-Services-160333664037824.
Memorials may be made to the Abingdon Christian Church or Abingdon First Responders. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
