Mary Emily Taflinger

MILLER CITY, Ill. -- Mary Emily Taflinger of Miller City died peacefully Monday evening, Dec. 7, 2020, at the Lutheran Nursing Home. She was surrounded by her loving family at the time of passing.

She was born May 22, 1942, the daughter of Carl and Mary Alice Oehler of Cairo, Illinois, who preceded her in death. In August 1964 she married James Franklin Taflinger of Effingham, Illinois. He cared for her tirelessly throughout her battle with Alzheimer's.

Emily attended Webster College in St. Louis and graduated from Southern Illinois University. She was an elementary teacher in Lincoln, Illinois. After moving to Southern Illinois, she became a mother of three children and a very active parent volunteer in the Cairo public school system. Emily was a devout member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Cairo and a dedicated volunteer.

She was affectionately known as "Mame" to her grandchildren, who remember her love for music, dancing the jitterbug, and her infectious laugh which ignited the room.

Emily is survived by her three children, Laurie Caldwell, Audrey Vincent and Kristie Taflinger; and four grandchildren, Magen Caldwell, Natalie Vincent, Zachary Vincent and Avery Vincent.

Family and friends are welcome to attend the visitation from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Patrick's Church in Cairo. The funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Chris Mujule as celebrant. Private burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Crain Funeral Home in Cairo is in charge of arrangements.

To view the full obituary or to leave an online condolence for the family visit www.crainsonline.com.