Danley Jean Vlasich

Danley Jean Vlasich (Wilkinson), age 85, passed away January 31st, 2026. She was born July 4th, 1940 in Springfield, Illinois.

Danley, or as many of her friends called her Danny, was known for her love of the arts, incredible taste, and style in all aspects of her life, including in the way she dressed and in her home decor. She was strong, very resilient, devoted, and loving to her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband Michael Lance Vlasich and her parents Daniel and Veneta Wilkinson.

Danley will be missed and is survived by her son Michael Gregg Vlasich, daughter in law Elizabeth Vlasich, and granddaughters Chelsea Westerlund and Lauren Vlasich.

Danley’s biggest passion was dance which she turned into a life long career. She was a ballerina with a local ballet company. This led to her becoming a ballet instructor giving private lessons, teaching in her own studio, and then eventually instructing at Blackburn College and at Southern Illinois University. She also got a thrill out of teaching and dancing with any family member willing to learn.

Danley overcame many challenges in her life. She had a strong and enduring spirit. One of her impressive feats was enrolling in Southern Illinois University in her 40s and earning a degree in History of Dance. Danley also served her community in many roles, most notably in the 1990s by establishing a local, annual Christmas Market in Carlinville, Illinois that still continues today.

She moved to Stuart, Florida in her 60s where she continued to display her exquisite taste through her hobbies of art, gardening, landscaping, and interior design. She continued to work for many years and also volunteered at Treasure Coast Hospice.

Danley most cherished spending time with her family. She especially enjoyed sharing her love of the holidays, especially Christmas and Halloween, with her granddaughters Lauren and Chelsea. She was also known for her love of good chocolate and her family loved sharing that with her. She enjoyed long talks with her cousin Carolyn Moody and her good friend Susan Feeny.

We are grateful to the staff of Discovery Village Assisted Living and Treasure Coast Hospice for their care, support, humor, and respect.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Danley’s name to Treasure Coast Hospice or your local non-profit Hospice. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Danley, we love you and will miss you dearly.