Dee, 75, of Chillicothe, IL passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at OSF St. Francis in Peoria, IL. 

Dee was born on January 11, 1950, the daughter of Raymond and Ruth Van Drew. She graduated Western High School with the class of 1968. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Illinois State University, a master’s degree in education from University of Northern Colorado, and another master’s in curriculum and instruction from University of Illinois. Dee was a special education teacher for Hancock Central Community Unit School, Manlius Community Unit School, and Streator Elementary School District where she retired after teaching for 25 years. Dee also worked with the Illinois Valley Education to Careers program for a year after teaching. 

She was a member of the LaSalle County Retired Teachers Association, the Illinois Retired Teachers Association, the Kappa Delta Pi education honor society, and the American Legion Auxiliary. Dee was also a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Sheffield, IL.

Dee loved music, especially from the 80s, and going to the movies. She loved all things Star Wars and saw each one many times before it left the theater. She also enjoyed spending time with family and friends, spoiling her beloved cat, Louie, and attending Sunday family breakfast. Dee will be missed dearly by all who knew her and her kind, gentle ways. 

She is survived by her niece, Jennifer (Peter) Chirchirillo of Hopewell, IL; her great-nephew, Andrew Chirchirillo of Dunlap, IL; her great-niece, Ashley Chirchirillo of Columbia, MO and her sister-in-law, Karen Van Drew of Hopewell, IL. 

Dee was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, one brother, Joel Van Drew, and two siblings in infancy, Michael and Erin Van Drew. 

Visitation was held on Monday, February 17, 2025, at Grant-Johnson Funeral Home in Princeton, IL. Funeral Service was held on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at Grant-Johnson Funeral Home in Princeton, IL with Deacon John Murphy officiating. Burial followed at Hopeland Cemetery in Buda, IL. 

Memorials may be directed to Friends of Strays in Princeton, IL or Buda Rescue Unit in Buda, IL. 

Online condolences may be made at www.grant-johnsonfh.com.