Obituaries

Mary Irene Van Fossen

May 9th, 1933 – November 1st, 2022

Mary Irene Vinson Van Fossen transitioned to her heavenly home to join her husband on November 1, 2022, at Richard Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, IL. Irene was born on May 9, 1933, in Denton Hollow, Alabama, the second of five children, to Johnny C. and Grace Frost Vinson. She married Roy Van Fossen on August 19, 1960, in Peoria. He preceded her in death on November 3, 2021.

She was also preceded by her parents, her oldest child, Donna Van Fossen Cochran, her siblings Christine Myrick, Eugene Vinson and Hugh Vinson.

Irene is survived by her daughter Bonita (Chris) Dietrich of Peoria, Illinois, and sons Greg (Audra) Van Fossen of Fishers, Indiana, and Mike Van Fossen of Pekin, Illinois. She also considered their foreign exchange student, Saul Cardenas of Costa Rica, as one of her sons and he survives in Costa Rica.

Also surviving are her grandchildren, Rhonda Skelton, Matthew Cochran, Jared Cochran, Tim Cochran, Karen (John) Eggers, David (Myranda) Dietrich, Crystal (Joe) Mahoney, Dustin (Angie) Dietrich, Stephanie (Juandale) Cook, Danine (Kevin) Alston, Eugene (Sheila) Van Fossen, Sherry Van Fossen, Michael (Felicia) Van Fossen, Jeremy (Ashley) Van Fossen and Ryan Van Fossen.

She is also survived by 35 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great-grandchildren, her sister Virginia Bates, many nieces and nephews and her aunt, Pauline Brown and cousin, Kay Brown, and her son, Brett Brown.

Irene grew up in Russellville, Alabama, and graduated from Phil Campbell High School. After she and Roy married, they moved to Lowpoint to raise their family in a small-town environment. As her children were growing up, Irene was a full-time homemaker and was known as a great cook. She was very quick to help her friends and neighbors as any need arose. Irene was proud to serve her community as a nutritionist with the Illinois Home Extension Service in Woodford County. Golf became her passion as she learned the game at Snag Creek Golf Course in Washburn. Irene won many golf tournaments during her lifetime and had trophies for two holes-in-one. She continued to golf wherever they lived.

Roy and Irene spent time between Lake Vermillion, Minnesota, in the summer and Victoria, Texas, in the winter for many years. They enjoyed their cabin at Polley's Resort on Lake Vermillion, where many fish were caught. Memories were made as their children and grandchildren spent vacations with them in both locations. In addition to golfing and fishing, Irene and her husband became avid antique collectors. Irene had large collections of depression glass which she gifted to her daughters and granddaughters. Roy and Irene returned to Peoria from Victoria, TX, in 2014, to be closer to their family. Of all of her accomplishments, Irene was very proud of her children and grandchildren.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 26, 2022, at Northwoods Community Church, 10700 North Allen Road, Peoria, Illinois at 11 a.m. Pastor Kurt Smith will officiate. Visitation will take place at the church beginning 1 hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the Ipava Cemetery at 3 pm on November 26, 2022. Memorials may be made to the donor's choice.

Condolences

November 3rd, 2022

Thoughts and love are with you all on your sad loss Jacqui Brook

November 3rd, 2022

So sorry Bonita about the loss of your mother. May Hid comfort you and your family.

November 3rd, 2022

Thinking of you everyday,Bonita, Greg and Mike. Joyce

November 4th, 2022

Sending prayers for peace and comfort despite the great great loss you have suffered. She was one of the sweetest people I have ever met. Love, Eydie

November 7th, 2022

My deepest sympathy to you and your family Bonita. My thoughts and prayer are with you at this time. Irene was one of my very best friends. I was blessed with her friendship for over 30 years and I’m sure going to miss her phone calls since she moved back to Illinois from Victoria. We had many golfing rounds together. There’s no other like sweet Irene. Rest In Peace.

November 21st, 2022

Heartfelt condolences go out to the immediate family while Mary was a resident at LHV.