Barbara Cullen

Barbara Cullen, 89, of Danville, passed away at 2:37 PM January 13, 2012 at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center in Danville. Barbara was born on March 18, 1922 the daughter of Woods H. and Mildred (Erickson) Martin. She married John P Meyer Sr. on May 1, 1942; he survives. On October 30, 1970 she married Frank C. "Bud" Cullen who preceded her in death. She is survived by three sons-John P. (Toni) Meyer of Danville, Michael A. Meyer of California, Chris (Sue) Meyer of Danville, three daughters- Marilyn (Rudy) Manfredi of California, Elizabeth A. (Russell) Elam of Danville, Melinda J. (David) Jankowski of Danville, three step-children Patrick (Mari) Cullen of Bloomington, IL, Kevin (Laurie) Cullen of Indiana, Connie Vandemark of Danville, eleven grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother-Robert Martin and one sister- Jeanne Jones. Barbara graduated from Danville High in 1939 and then attended Carlton Christian College in Northfield Minnesota before getting her Bachelor's of Arts in Education from the University of Illinois. She went on to get her Master's degree in Education from the University of Illinois. She attended St. Paul's Catholic Church in Danville. Barbara taught at St. Paul's, Collett Middle School and English at Northridge Middle School where she started the Drama Club which is still active today. She retired from Northridge in 1992. Barbara loved painting, playing the piano and organ, being a clown volunteering for children and was an avid movie goer. She loved her dogs, birds, Netflix, playing tennis, being active in the Red Coat Club at Provena USMC and Saturday lunches with her friends. She taught adult literacy after retiring and was an avid fan of U of I sports. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Danville on Thursday January 19, 2012 at 10 AM with Fr. Greg Nelson officiating. A visitation will be held at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, A Life Celebration Home in Danville on Wednesday January 18, 2012 from 4-7 PM with a rosary ceremony at 3:30 PM. Burial will take place at Spring Hill Cemetery in Danville. Memorials may be made in Barbara's name to the Danville Humane Society. Please join Barbara's family in sharing photos, videos, and memories of her through her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com