Viola Hazel Cook Beal Obituary (1925 - 2019)

Viola Hazel Cook Beal 93 of El Paso IL, formerly of Normal and Peoria IL, passed away on February 12, 2019 at Heritage Manor El Paso. Viola was born in Peoria on September 18, 1925, to James M. and Viola Becker Cook. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Gerald H. Cook and James M. Cook Jr, and special cousin Philip John (Joyce) Becker. She is survived by brother Richard P. (Georgette) Cook, Double Oak TX; son Tom (Kathy) Beal, Hudson; daughter Jan Lancaster, Bloomington; grandchildren, John Lancaster, Lisa (JR) Buhs, Bob Beal, Sara (Jeremy) Lorance, and great granddaughter Kailee Lorance. Viola graduated from Woodruff High School in Peoria. She attended Augustana College and Bradley University, from which she received her bachelor's degree. She later received a master's degree in social work from the University of Iowa. She taught grade school in Prospect, Oregon before relocating to Illinois, moving first to Peoria Heights and then to Normal where she began a career as a social worker, helping countless children and families over the years. She was employed by the State of Illinois, Tri County Special Education, and finished her career at Bloomington District 87. Viola was a kind, caring person and a wonderful mother. Her pastimes included reading, knitting, crocheting, researching the family ancestry and working in her yard. She especially enjoyed dining out with her friends and family. Per her wishes, following cremation, there will be no services. The family would like to express their appreciation for the compassion and care shown to Viola during her stay at Heritage Manor.