Cora Mae McGuire of Du Quoin

Cora Mae McGuire, 86, of Du Quoin, Illinois and formerly of Joliet, Illinois, passed away at 10 p.m. on Tuesday, March 29, at Fairview Rehabilitation and Healthcare in Du Quoin.

She was born on July 11, 1935 in Hyannis, Massachusetts to the late Eugene and Hester (nee Sears) Eldredge.

Cora was raised and educated in Chatham, Massachusetts and at the age of 18 she met Donald Henry, who was stationed there with the U.S. Coast Guard. They eventually married and moved to Joliet, where they raised their four children.

Cora had a strong work ethic and made balancing a household and a full-time job look easy. She eventually retired from Tri-Star Cabinet in New Lenox, Illinois after many years of employment and in 1990, she settled in Du Quoin to enjoy her years of retirement.

She then married Henry A. McGuire on Dec. 12, 1995 in Pinckneyville, Illinois and they were together for more than 20 years until his passing in 2016. Cora and Henry enjoyed taking care of and feeding the feral cats that visited their house for many years.

Surviving are four children, Robert (Nancy) Henry of Brooklyn, New York, Sharon (Randy) Highbaugh of Shorewood, Illinois, Dale (Debbie) Henry of Crest Hill, Illinois and William Henry of Ottawa, Illinois; two stepsons; two stepdaughters; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

Preceding her in death were her parents; first husband Donald Henry; second husband, Henry McGuire; beloved granddaughter, Chloe Henry; brother, Robert Eldredge; and daughter-in-law Karen Henry.

The family would like to thank Guy Steely and Debbie Heck from the Gold Plate Program of Perry County; a special friend, Julie Lawhorn; and Hospice of Southern Illinois. Those mentioned have given Cora the respect, dedication, compassion and dignified care she needed during the late stages of her life.

Per Cora's wishes, cremation rites will be accorded and inurnment will be private.

Searby Funeral Home in DuQuoin is entrusted with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in her name may be directed to the Finding Forever Rescue, at 1117 E. Main St., Marion, IL 62959; http://www.findingforeveranimalrescue.org/. Any donations are appreciated.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.