Katherine Jean (Sansone) Wiegel, age 88, of Rutherfordton, NC formerly of Flora, IL passed away Friday, June 21, 2013, at the Rutherford Regional Medical Center in Rutherfordton, NC.

Jean was born April 9, 1925 in Charleston, IL to Frank and Helen (Paul) Sansone. She married Lowell Dean Wiegel on November 16, 1946 in Champaign, IL. He preceded her in death on December 28, 2001. Jean spent most of her childhood growing up and attending school in Champaign. During her adult life she resided in Mahomet, Hunnewell, MO, and Flora before moving to Rutherfordton, NC to live out her years being close to her son and his family. She worked as a waitress for several years, developing a close friendship with Daisy Hammett, owner of Daisy’s Café in Mahomet, IL, and later operated in home child care for several years. Jean enjoyed making spaghetti and meatballs from scratch, Italian cookies, as well as canning vegetables with husband Lowell. She also worked on her family history as a hobby and liked to brag about her grandchildren as well as her 3 great-granddaughters.

She is survived by her son: Doug Wiegel and wife Janita of Rutherfordton, NC; a brother: George Sansone and wife Betty of Tucson, AZ; along with 3 grandchildren and 3 great-granddaughters. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, loving step-mother Ellen (Slade) Sansone, 2 brothers, and 1 infant sister.

The funeral service for Jean Wiegel will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 27, 2013 at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Pastor Richard Artis officiating. Interment will follow in Floral Garden of Memories, Flora. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Frank & Bright Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.