Thomasine “Tommie” Bockman, 82 of Aledo, Illinois, died Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at the Knox County Nursing Home, Galesburg, Illinois. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 3, at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church, Aledo. Burial will be in Aledo Cemetery. Visitation is from 9 to 10:45 a.m. prior to services at Speer Funeral Home, Aledo, with a rosary recited at 9 a.m. Memorials may be made to St. Catherine’s Catholic Church, Mercer County Senior Center, or Mercer County Women for Women.
Thomasine Rae Cannell was born on August 3, 1942, in Rockford, Illinois, to Thomas Frederick “T.F.” and Eleanor Katherine (Harnish) Cannell. She received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Illinois State University. Tommy married the love of her life, Francis “Frank” Bockman on December 28, 1974, in Rockford, Illinois. They enjoyed traveling together, especially with the +60 club. He preceded her in death on June 6, 2024.
Tommie worked for the Sterling School District for over 30 years and was a member of the Illinois Counselors Association, where she served as Secretary. Tommie was also a member of Mercer County Women for Women, serving as Treasurer. In her spare time, she enjoyed playing bridge at the Mercer County Senior Center, doing crosswords, watching Jeopardy, and going to musicals and plays. Tommie had two special canine companions, Zippy and Honey. Tommie was devoted to her faith and an active member of St. Catherine’s Parish.
Tommie is survived by her children, Edward Bockman of Galesburg and Catherine (Joseph Stanbary) Bockman of Edgewater, Florida; and sisters, Barbara Traughber of Mayville, Wisconsin, Mary Cannell of Rockford, Illinois, Georgeanne Daly of Winnebago, Illinois, Penelope McCarthy of Port Angeles, Washington, and Elaine Cannell of California. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and siblings, Patty Jean and John.