Jean Ellen Blessman

September 6, 1929 - September 29, 2020

Jean Ellen (Becker) Blessman, 91, of Havana IL, died September 29, 2020 at Havana Health Care Center in Havana. She was born September 6, 1929 in Pekin IL, the daughter of Louis E Becker and Miriam (Clover) Becker. She married Lyman “Don” Blessman on June 3, 1950 in Taylorville IL, he survives. She attended Stephens College and Bradley University where she studied interior design. She worked with her husband Don at The Blessman Agency for many years where she cherished spending time with friends and co-workers Janet, Helen, Shirley, and Rosemary. Jean assisted in the planning and development of Hickory Hills, Sherwood Forest and others and enjoyed designing and decorating the homes they built as models. Jean was a past president of Mason District Hospital Auxiliary and the Havana Public Library Board, and was proud to participate in the refurbishing of the library in the 1970s, some of which still exists today. Jean wrote a weekly column for the Mason County Democrat while her children were growing up. She was an accomplished oil painter and enjoyed giving her paintings to family and friends. She was a lifetime member of the Havana United Methodist Church. Jean is survived by her husband Don; daughters Gail (Rex) Beard, of Decatur IL, and Diane McGinnis of Havana IL; son Steve Blessman of Havana IL; four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by son Gary K Blessman, her parents, sister Janet Specketer, and niece Laura Specketer. Cremation rites have been accorded. The family suggests memorial donations be made to the Havana Public Library. A memorial service of remembrance will be held at a later date. Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences can be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com.