Verna Jean Altman, age 82 of Freeport, IL, passed away on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at FHN Memorial Hospital. She was born September 3, 1936; the daughter of the late Vernon and Rose Ellen (Yankey) Mercier. She attended Freeport Schools. Jean married John Altman on October 2, 1954.

She had modeled for J.C. Penny in her younger years. She later worked at the Journal Standard and was part-owner of Freeport Press. Jean and John also owned the Cornucopia Restaurant where she was famous for her salads and desserts. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church of Freeport where she was very active in volunteering in various church activities and working in the church kitchen. Jean loved cooking and going to craft shows.

She is survived by her daughters, Pamela Busker of Freeport and Peggy Altman of Waco, TX; son, John Altman Jr. of Forreston; grandchildren, Stephen (Melody) Altman of Chicago, IL and Mariah Altman of Forreston; great grandson, Tyson Altman; sisters, Maryanne (Norman) Anderson of Milford, IL and Ruth (Charles) Babler of Mt. Morris, IL; brothers, William (Judith) Mercier of Freeport, Vernon (Vicki) Mercier Jr. of Freeport, and John (Diana) Mercier of Gilbert, AZ; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John; 2 year old brother, Charles; nieces, Sissy Farringer and Kimberly Mercier; nephew, Robert Anderson; and son-in-law, Michael Busker.