Virginia M. Schleper

Herrin - Virginia Martell Schleper, 66, of Decatur, IL formerly of Herrin, died Tuesday, December 4, 2001 at St. Mary's Hospital in Decatur, IL. She was born July l2, l935 in Bush, IL to Joseph J. and Mary Rose (Romano) Martell. Her father survives. She was a home economist and graduated from SIU-C with a bachelor of science and master's degree in Home Economics. She served on the faculty of the Home Economic Dept at SIU and also taught secondary education at Johnston City, Cahokia and Decatur High Schools. She was employed as Head Teacher and gardener at the New Horizon Daycare Center in Decatur. She was serving as GM Square President in Decatur and was on the Board of Directors for the Coalition of Neighborhood Organizations. She also worked with DMCOC. While a member of OLMC Catholic Church in Herrin she served as organist. She was a member of the Illinois Vocational Home Economist Association and the National Education Association and the Illinois Education Association. Survivors include: Daughter - Jennifer Kretsinger - Decatur, IL Son - Cameron Schleper - Springfield, IL Grandson - Garrett Jon-Taylor Pirtle - Decatur, IL Father - Joseph Martell - Herrin Sister Josie Martell Cambron and brother in law - Ron Cambron - St. Louis, MO Former Husband - John Schleper - Decatur, IL Several Aunts and Uncles Many cousins Her mother Mary Rose Martell and two infant brothers preceded her in death. A Memorial Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a. m. on Monday, December 17, 2001 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Herrin. Msg. Ken Schaefer will officiate. Visitation will be Sunday, December l6, 2001 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Johnson Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Burial will be at San Carlo Cemetery in Herrin. Memorials may be made to OLMC/St. Mary's School Foundation and will be accepted at the funeral home. To sign the guest registry go to www.hughesfuneral homes.com