Catherine Alacoque Traynor

catherine alacoque traynor

September 4, 1921 ~ September 6, 2021

Catherine Alacoque Traynor, 100, of Taylorville, passed away at 10:00 p.m. on Monday, September 6, 2021 at Taylorville Memorial Hospital.

Alacoque was born September 4, 1921 in Litchfield, the daughter of the late Oscar and Agnes (Cooney) Smith.  She married Stuart J. Traynor on October 30, 1942, in Columbia, IL.  He preceded her in death on December 10, 2008.

Alacoque graduated from Gillespie High School in 1939, worked as a secretary and then teacher for the Gillespie school district.  She spent most of her adult life as a homemaker, but when her children were raised, she worked for Ferry, Zimmers, and Smith Dental Office until her retirement.  Alacoque was a devoted member to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where she was active in the Catholic Daughters of America. Other interests included St. Vincent Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, the Taylorville Women’s Business Association, and the Taylorville Home Tours. She was an accomplished seamstress, and her embroidery was remarkable. Alacoque enjoyed being outdoors, vacationing in Michigan, and in her youth, she especially loved water skiing.  Above all, Alacoque was devoted to her family.

She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Ann Witsman; daughter-in-law, Sallie Traynor; and brother, William Smith.

Alacoque is survived by her children, Stuart J. (wife, Barbara) Traynor, Jr. of Taylorville, Lance Traynor of Taylorville, Mary Jane (husband, Ernest) Dryer of Annapolis, MD, Patrick (wife, Denise) Traynor of St. Louis, MO, and Michael Traynor of Taylorville; 11 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation & Funeral Mass: The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral mass at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, September 13, 2021 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 108 W. Adams St., Taylorville, IL 62568, with Rev. Msgr. David S. Lantz as celebrant.

Interment will follow the mass at Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville.

Memorial contributions may be made to: St. Mary’s Catholic School, 422 S. Washington St., Taylorville, IL 62568

The family has entrusted Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home, 202 W. Franklin St., Taylorville, IL 62568 with ceremonies.

Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories of Alacoque, or offer condolences to her family.

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  1. My family have been friends with the Traynors my entire life. Many summer vacations were spent with them at Magician Lake in Michigan. I remember riding in there car with there family with the air conditioner going full last. Mr. Tray or said if anyone was cold put on a coat. I also remember the night the Traynors came over after Mr. Traynors state senate win. Many fond memories. Taylorville has lost a great lady.

  2. I will always treasure my visits with Alacoque. I have so many wonderful memories of your mom. This earth was blessed with 100 years of this fine woman and now heaven is rejoicing! Blessings to each of you Traynor kids and your families, as you celebrate her life! RIP Alacoque.

  3. How blessed are we to have shared life with a woman like Alacoque Traynor; your Mother, your Grandmother, your Great Grandmother and the many others who knew and loved her. She was a most charming and remarkable woman.

    I will miss hearing her voice and seeing her lovely face, but she will not be gone from my life; for I will carry her in my heart for as long as I am on this earth.
    For 50 plus years, Alacoque has been my dear friend and mentor; sharing her beliefs, courage, strength, wisdom, humor, kindness, generosity, determination, abundant talents, love of the arts, delicious food, and all things truthful, good and beautiful!

    Alacoque has been and will always be “the wind beneath my wings”.

    Thank you my dear friend and rest in Peace, Joy, Love and the Tender Care of Our Lord.

  4. Just learned of the passing of my wife’s favorite aunt. She was a grand and elegant lady and an inspiration to the Chance family. she will be sorely missed and I send my condolences to her family and friends in Taylorville.


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