Julia Eloise Hazen Lennon

Julia Eloise Hazen Lennon, 83, passed away December 5, 2014. She was born July 22, 1931 in Lincoln, Nebraska to Paul Townsend Hazen and Ida Marguerite McLaughlin Hazen. Graduate of Ottumwa Heights College, Iowa, Julia was co-owner and publisher, with her husband, of the Morrisonville Times and the Christian Co. Farmer (Illinois), and later was a Kohl's department manager (Springfield IL). Julia was longtime parishioner of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield. She was active in Illinois civic life, particularly well-known in local and state politics for deposing problematic mayors and successfully challenging undemocratic ordinances. An avid fiction reader, Julia also loved to follow and debate politics and journalism, and delighted in traveling (especially by train), writing, painting, and gardening. With her own unstudied elegance, she enjoyed coffee, martinis, Fanny Mae chocolates, lively conversation, and a rowdy game of any kind with her grandchildren. Raised in a convent under Jesuit guidance, Julia embraced married life in a rambunctious extended family, learning to cook by cajoling recipes from the chefs of favorite Chicago-land ethnic restaurants. Julia leaves behind her six children: Debbie Jean L. Keever (Ron) of Bonita Springs FL, Laura Dawn Lennon of Arlington Heights IL, Paul Joseph Lennon (Neta) of Pittsfield IL, John Michael Lennon (Aldine) of Boynton Beach FL, Julia Marie Lennon of Madison WI, Phillip Bernard Lennon (Lessie) of Bloomington IN, as well as seventeen grandchildren. She was proceeded in death by her husband, John Aloysius Lennon, who Julia credited with curing her shyness as they mastered the craft of conjugal banter. Services will be conducted at the St. Paul Catholic Center on December 12 at 10:00 AM. The family extends gratitude to the staff of Indiana University Hospice, Elder Care, Red Bud Hills, Visiting Angels, and Autumn Hills. Allen Funeral Home 4155 South Old Highway 37 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be sent via www.allenfuneralhome.org. Remembrances in Julia's name may be sent to uwhealth.org/urology (pediatrics), the Alzheimer's Foundation, or Catholic Charities.

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Julia Eloise Hazen Lennon

July 22, 1931 - December 5, 2014