Connie S. Avery

Connie S. Avery, 71, passed away peacefully Thursday, February 2, 2023, at Franklin Grove Living and Rehabilitation Facility, Franklin Grove, IL Connie was born November 11, 1951 in Shelbyville, IL to W.C. (Rip) and Lila Storm. She graduated from Stewardson-Strasburg High School and Eastern Illinois University. Connie married Minor July 31, 1976, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Compton IL.

Connie began her professional career at Paw Paw High School, continued at North Lawn Junior High in Streator, IL, and then Northern Illinois University Library. She accepted the position as the first full time Library Director in Paw Paw and served there for 17 years. Connie completed her professional career at Flagg-Rochelle Public Library District as Assistant Library Director and Youth Services Director, retiring in December 2021.

Connie was active in church and community organizations. She served on church council, altar committee, worship committee, secretary of Women of the ELCA at Immanuel Lutheran Church, and was church librarian. She was a board member of the Rochelle Community Action Network (CAN) and was a member of the Franklin Creek Conservation Association education committee. She was also a member of Eastern Illinois Alumni Association. She enjoyed being a professional story teller.

Connie enjoyed being “mother” to rescued Saint Bernards for over 40 years. She enjoyed attending college sporting events at both the University of Illinois and Eastern Illinois University.
Connie is survived by her husband of 46 years, Minor and two Saint Bernards, Dolly and Lincoln; Sister Linda Oakley (Joe), brother David (Debby) Storm, brother Doug (Jane) Storm, sister Jill (Steve) Layton, sister Kathy (William) Eckstein, brother Kurt Storm. There are also numerous nephews, nieces, grand –nephews and grand-nieces.
Connie was preceded in death by her parents, brother Larry Storm and sister Carol Manhart.

Cremation care has been provided by Torman Funeral Home, Paw Paw. Visitation will be Saturday February 11, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, 398 Church Road, Compton, IL. A memorial service will follow at 11:30 a.m. with Pastor Jeffery Schlesinger officiating. Burial will follow in Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church New Roof Fund or the Flagg-Rochelle Public Library District. Please visit www.TormanFuneralHome.com to sign the online guest book.