Eleanor Mae Melaga

She was born in Sullivan, Illinois on October 21, 1922, as the first child of Robert and Lola (Prather) Fleming. She graduated high school in Toledo Illinois in 1940, worked for the Chuckles Candy Factory in Danville, Illinois and married John J. Melaga in 1947. They went on to have 6 children, Jacqueline S. (David) Clancy, Linda Melaga-Rogers, John S. (Mary) Melaga, Robert L. Melaga, Terrance J. (Wendy) Melaga and Debra L. Gress.

She was also preceded in death by her brother, James E. Fleming, and sister, Mary Lois (Charles) Coleman.

In addition to her children, she leaves behind her brothers, Robert L. (Patricia) Fleming and William S. (Patricia) Fleming; sister, Joanna J. (Steve) Repasy; many nieces and nephews, numerous grand and great grandchildren.

Eleanor enjoyed her work as a bus monitor for District 150 in Peoria, IL, and retired in 1997.

She loved her family gatherings at Christmas, birthdays and other holidays and all the cooking and baking that went with it. She loved to draw and was very good at it. She liked flower gardening, crossword puzzles, traveling, knitting, and listening to hymns and patriotic songs. Babies, kids, and animals always brought a big smile to her face and that will be sorely missed.

Extra special thanks to all the staff at Lakeside Care Center, especially her favorite nurse, Janice Foster, and the CNA's and also to VITAS Hospice (Amanda, Diane, Daisy, Kelly, Chaplins Jeff and John, and others) for the compassionate care they gave her.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at 11 a.m. at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria. Visitation will be from 9:30-11 a.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery.

Donations to Alzheimer’s Association are appreciated.

Online condolences may be made at www.davison-fulton.com