Laura Harriett Dewey

October 28, 1932 - December 8, 2020

Laura Dewey passed away Tuesday, December 08, 2020, at the age of 88. Born in Mackinaw, IL on October 28, 1932 to the late Thomas and Dorothy (Landwehr) Childress, she married her high school sweetheart, Dr. Melvin Dewey on August 2, 1975 in Peoria, Illinois. He preceded her in death on January 2, 2018. She is survived by 10 children, Kim (Debra) Conroy of Dacula, Georgia, Theresa (Mark) Headley of Germantown Hills, Illinois, Mary Kelly (John) O’Flaherty of Chatham, Illinois, Linda (Scott) Johnstone of East Peoria, Illinois, Lynn (Dan) Selke of East Peoria, Illinois, Scott Dewey of Rochester, Illinois, Jon Dewey of Peoria, Illinois, Mike (Samantha) Conroy of Greenfield, Indiana, Ann (Ralph) Early of Homer Glen, Illinois and Steve Conroy of Washington, Illinois; 22 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren, and sister Mary (Glenn) Hamilton. Laura worked for Commercial National Bank in Peoria for a number of years, and served on the School Board of Education at Bergan High School. She and Mel loved being on their houseboat with their family and friends. Laura was a talented musician who played multiple instruments, and would often entertain her husband and grandchildren with Christmas songs on the piano. She enjoyed hosting friends and family, especially for Christmas get-togethers, her favorite holiday. Her husband and family were the greatest joy in her life, as she was a devoted and loving wife and the best mother and grandmother anyone could ask for. She also loved her furry canine companion, Abby. She will be missed greatly, and remembered with love by her family for all the things she did for them daily, both great and small. Private funeral services will be held at Resurrection Cemetery on Saturday, December 12, 2020. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Peoria Humane Society. Schmidt-Haller Burial and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.