Mary Garrison Connett

Mary (Garrison) Connett, 82, of Morton, formerly from East Peoria, passed away on December 31, 2012, in Hilton Head, SC. She was born on June 2, 1930, in Pekin, to Louis and Lillian (Schreck) Friedinger. She married E. Melvin Garrison on June 27, 1947. He preceded her in death on December 3, 1996.She was also preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Clarence (Junior) Botkin, Jr. and Martin (Marty) Friedinger, sister, Carol Aupperle; and great grandson, Nick Gerard.Surviving is husband, George Connett of Morton, two children, Alan (Kathy) Garrison of Mackinaw and Dave Garrison of East Peoria; one stepson, Kenny ( Nancy) Connett of Bluffton, SC, eight grandchildren; Tracey (Dathan) Gerard of Mapleton, Scott Garrison of Bonne Terre, MO, Andrew (Jill) Garrison of Washington, Tim (Jamie) Garrison of Metamora, Katie (David) Schlappi of East Peoria, Anita (Tim) Sorrells of Pekin, Todd Garrison of White Fish Bay, WI, Julie (Jimmy) Emmanuel of Middle Island, NY, 14 great grandchildren; and sister, Jean Bomhold of Chillicothe. Mary loved by her nieces and nephews.She was retired from her position as office manager at Cook Rental in Morton.She married George Connett on January 24, 1998, who was her high school sweetheart. She was known for her famous sugar cookies, apple pie, and pumpkin pie. She enjoyed knitting booties and crocheting afghans for all the great grandchildren. She was quite passionate about spending quality time with close friends and family. She will be remembered for her kind heart and witty remarks. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, and aunt who will be greatly missed by all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Twin Oaks Missionary Baptist Church.The funeral service will be on Friday, January 11, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Twin Oaks Missionary Baptist Church in East Peoria, with the Pastor Tom Myers officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.