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Jean Dace Obituary
PEORIA - Jean Alice Roelfs Dace, a devoted Peorian, passed away on March 15, 2011, in Atlantis, Fla.
She was born in Peoria, Ill., on March 28, 1924, to Alvina Seynert Roelfs and Alfred Roelfs. Jean married Fred Walton Dace on Aug. 29, 1945. He preceded her in death in May 2000.
Jean is survived by her daughter, Kelly J. (Betty) Dace of Lake Worth, Fla.; her son, Barry R. Dace of Peoria, Ill.; and granddaughter, Carolyn J. Dace of Richmond, Ky.
Jean graduated from Peoria High School and attended Bradley University.
Her career path included designing and selling advertising for newspapers. She taught modeling and charm school lessons.
In 1962, she was crowned "Coronet Lady" of Peoria, Ill., a high honor for outstanding community contributions. Further work included public relations and fundraising for charitable organizations, specifically Boys Club of America, Aid to Retarded Citizens and Goodwill Industries - in Milwaukee, Wis., and Springfield, Ill.
Upon returning to Peoria 25 years ago, Jean became involved with lifelong learning. She was a pioneer in the startup of the Institute for Learning in Retirement at Bradley University and an original member of the Advisory Committee for Community Programs for Adults at ICC North.
Jean was a devoted, lifelong follower of the Christian faith, predominately of Christian Science, Unity and Presbyterian.
Her remembrance service will be held at 1 p.m. March 27, 2011, at United Presbyterian Church, 2700 W. Northmoor Road, Peoria, Ill.
Charitable contributions may be offered to Paralyzed Veterans, Aid to Retarded Citizens or South Side Mission of Peoria.
She will be laid to rest in Parkview Cemetery on her birthday.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jean Dace
Laurie and Chuck Larsen
March 25, 2011
Kelly, We were so sorry to hear about your mom and we're thinking of your family. I'll always remember your mom with a big smile and an even bigger heart. She touched so many people with her positive attitude and her out reached helping hand, and will certainly be missed.
Laurie and Chuck
Karla Moyer/Evans
March 24, 2011
Kelly,
Sorry for your loss. When I was a young girl I remember your mom always had a big smile on her face. She was such a funny loving person and will be missed by all that knew her.You were lucky to have a mom like her in your life.
Mark Matis
March 24, 2011
You have my deepest sympathy for your loss. Your Mom was a good woman, and will be truly missed by all her friends.
Daniel Smith
March 23, 2011
Aunt Jean was an amazing person and will be very much missed. I will always remember her laughter and deep concern for all her family and friends. A powerful influence on me as a person. The same is true for Uncle Fred. Truly I have been blessed to have had them both in my life as I grew up. I am a better person for it. Aunt Jean will always live in my heart.
March 23, 2011
I met Jean and Fred in 1993 when we asked alums to come to a planning committee to create a new institute at Bradley. She helped us and was our biggest cheerleader for so many years. All of her friends in Continuing Education at Bradley join me in expressing our sympathy at your loss. Janet Lange
Moe & Jean visiting in Albuquerque
Warren "Moe" Moyer
March 23, 2011
What a loss I feel to have lost my "sister". Jean & I have been friends since before we started school in Peoria, IL. Although she is physically gone, she remains in my heart and I continue to share her love. She was a wonderful, caring, loving person. She and I have had many fun times throughout the years that I shall always remember. Kelly, may you be comforted in this time of loss by the love and prayers of those who care about you and loved your mother so dearly. If you need anything at all, please do not hesitate to let me and June know. Love you very much, Warren "Moe" and June Moyer
March 23, 2011
Kelly,
You are a very dear and special friend, and a shining example of your Mom. I am sorry for your loss and you know I am here for you always.
Tony
Terry Timberlake
March 22, 2011
Kelly,
Although I never knew your Mom, I can only imagine that she was a very special person to have raised such an incredible daughter. I am so sorry for your loss and am here if you need a hug or a friend. My thoughts are with you.
March 22, 2011
I have counted Jean as one of my best friends since we were in high school. There are so many wonderful memories that I have of her, it would be impossible to even begin to mention them all. She was so kind and thoughtful when I had any number of medical problems and at all other times as well. She could always find time to help others. She, Fred, Howard and I spent so many happy times together both here and when we were in Michigan.
I am happy she and Fred are now together and at peace. I will miss her.
Kathryn Jacquin Simpson
Nick & Rachel Vuillemot
March 22, 2011
Kelly, Rachel and I are proud of you for putting your Mother first, ahead of yourself, and taking care of her in her final days. We will keep you and her in our prayers. Although we have never met your Mom, we have come to know her through you.
Nick & Rachel
.. on the sands of Florida....
March 22, 2011
I would like to acknowledge and thank all of my mothers friends for acknowledgement and sympathy. She was a wonderful, lovely woman whom I adored.
She was always thinking about how to help someone else. I hope you were all blessed by her in some way.
Lovingly, Kelly
March 22, 2011
March 21, 2011
Jean and I have been friends since eighth grade. Her mother, Alvina, was so good to all Jean's friends. I have so many happy memories of Jean and Fred. They stopped in to see me the year before Fred died and Jean always kept in touch. The last time we had a reunion of the PHS class of 1942 Jean invited me to stay at her house and we had a wonderful time. I am glad she has found peace. Betty Hunter Waltmire, St Petersburg, Florida
margery bettman
March 21, 2011
As I have said before, Jean was a special lady and a classmate at both Peoria High and Bradley. We who knew her are blessed to have had in our lives. She is now resting with Fred and will always be remembered.
Margery Miller Bettman
Tess Fuller-Sakolsky
March 21, 2011
Kelly, I am so sorry for your loss. Your mother was always a kind and friendly person to me.
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