Elvira E. “Vera” Connolly, age 94, died on July 29, 2020 at Amita Hospital in LaGrange, Illinois due to complications from pulmonary fibrosis. Elvira was born on October 5, 1925 to Ernest and Waldena “Bonnie” (Scharfenberg) Schwanz in Truman, Minnesota, where she grew up. She later moved to Chicago, where she married , raised her children, and worked for the family business, retiring as a registered nurse in the Warrenville, Illinois area.
Vera was preceded in death by both of her parents, her husband, John Connolly, a granddaughter, Andrea Malek, brothers, Alvin Schwanz and Melvin Schwanz, both of Minnesota. She is survived by sisters, Margaret “Chic” Sharp of Virginia, Minnesota and Lila Klaras of Gilbert, Minnesota and many nieces and nephews. Also surviving are her children, Janice Workman (Ed) of Justice, Illinois, Brenda Pradke (Jim) of Knox, Arlan Burton (Julie) of Palos Hills, Illinois, Lois Malek of Lincoln, Illinois, and Sheila Nicosia (Mario) of Bonita Springs, Florida, also grandchildren, Kerry Berg (Abby) of Geneva, Illinois and Indianapolis, Trish Berg (Randy Hyslope) of Aurora, Illinois, Rachel Bettinson (Bob) of Cheyenne, Wyoming, James Pradke (Funda) of Clarksville, Tennessee, Jennifer Young of Michigan City, Sarah Schwandt of Plymouth, Bethany Branco (Brandon) of LaPorte, Israel Pradke of Knox, Matthew Pradke (Summer) of North Judson, Adrian Burton (Patricia) of Berwyn, Illinois, Joshua Burton of Oak Park, Illinois, and Jason Burton of Orland Park, Illinois, and 23 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren.
Visitation will be Friday, July 31, 2020 from 1-3pm (CT), with funeral services starting at 3pm (CT) at M. C. Smith Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Knox.
