Lillie I. Archer

Veteran, Businesswoman and Mother to Nancy (Jack) Laverdiere.

Lillian I. Reinning Archer died June 16, 2013 at Grand Prairie Assisted Living in Macomb, IL. Lillian was 93 years of age, born January 26, 1920 in Thayer, IL. She was the daughter of Seth and Effie (Ganger) Cary. Lillian married Harold W. (Steve) Reinning, January 1951 in Springfield, IL. He preceded her in death in June 1972. She then married Earl W. Archer in October 1975, in Springfield, IL. He died in July 1977.

Lillian graduated from Edinburg High School. She enlisted in the WAVES during WWII, received Basic Training at Hunter College, New York City, and was stationed in Washington, DC. As a Communication Specialist Q, Third Class, she participated in a top secret project which broke enemy codes, shortening the war. She was self-employed as a beauty operator for over 37 years. Lillian was a resident of Springfield for over 75 years. Memberships included the Springfield Women’s Club, Parents Without Partners, White Oaks Mall Walkers, Mariners Travel Club, a number of bowling leagues, and Westminster Presbyterian Church. Lillian particularly loved to usher for performances at the UIS Sangamon Auditorium and to volunteer in the gift shop at St. John’s Hospital. She was an avid fan of Cardinals baseball and Illini basketball.

Besides her husbands, she was preceded in death by five brothers (Russell of Mt. Auburn, Cecil in infancy, Glen of Atlanta/Bellflower, LeRoy of Springfield and Jim of Danville); and four sister (Naomi Fahs of Girard, Isabell Struebing of Bellflower, Edna Evoy of Auburn, and Pauline Biederman of Springfield). A granddaughter, Jennifer Laverdiere, died in infancy. One daughter, Nancy Laverdiere (Jack), survives along with two grandsons, Andy and Ryan Laverdiere of Macomb (who were her sun and moon and stars); as well as many nieces and nephews.

Lillian will be most fondly missed being remembered for her warm humor, wise perspective, love of travel, music and ballroom dance, and her powerful devotion to her family.

Visitation: 3 – 5 pm Sunday, June 23, 2013 at Staab Funeral Home, 1109 S. 5th Street, Springfield, IL.

Funeral Service: 5:00 pm Sunday, June 23, 2013 at Staab Funeral Home.

Graveside Service: 10:00 am, Monday, June 24, 2013 at Camp Butler National Cemetery where military honors will be conducted.

A Memorial Celebration will be held in Macomb on Wednesday, June 26th from 4 – 6:30 pm at Magnolia’s.

Memorial contributions may be made to Grand Prairie Assisted Living, McDonough District Hospital Hospice or the Great River Honor Flight of Quincy.