Mary A. Zehren

Mary A. Zehren, 88, of 2501 Allentown Rd., Pekin, passed away at 1:00 am Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at Hallmark House Nursing Center. Mary was born April 20, 1920 in Streator, IL to Earl and Bridget (McGuire)Carroll. She married Charles Zehren in 1945. She is survived by her husband Chuck; two daughters, M. Carroll (and Richard) Carroll of Brimfield, IL and Sandra E. (and Robert) Spradlin of Stroudsburg, PA; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters. Mary graduated from Streator High School and Gallagher Business College.She worked at State Farm Insurance in Bloomington, IL where she met her husband.They moved to Peoria and then to Pekin over 50 years ago.They owned and operated the Princess Caf in Pekin for many years.It was well known as a downtown business for breakfasts and lunch and an afternoon gathering place for high school students in the 1950's.Mary also worked for the Pekin High School cafeteria in the years following. She was active in Junior Women's Club, Tazewell County Home Extension, St. Joseph's Altar Society, and Pekin Emblem Club.She loved helping others, and she thoroughly enjoyed her family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.