Nancy Hopper

Nancy Hopper died on Monday, Dec. 14, 2009, at 2:13 p.m. in her Bluford home from a long, lingering battle with COPD and the onset of heart disease. Her prayers were answered as she passed peacefully with immediate family by her side.Nancy was born July 21, 1946, to Katherine Abel and John Meredith in Mt. Vernon. She grew up in Bluford.Nancy Hopper is survived by her husband of 31 years, Jerry W. Hopper, residing in Bluford. She is also survived by her two daughters, Leasha Overturf Elledge (Paul Elledge) of Chicago and Stacie Buonaura of Jackson, Mo.Nancy had one stepdaughter, Traci Williams (Dan Williams) of Central Point, Ore., as well as one stepson, Steve Hopper (Debra Hopper) of Woodlake, Calif.As well as her children, Nancy was blessed with seven grandchildren, Haley and Hannah Buonaura of Jackson, Mo., Lucia Elledge of Chicago, Jenna and Kristen Williams of Central Point, Ore., and Mariah and Kelsey Hopper of Woodlake, Calif.Nancy Hopper is also survived by two of her special friends, Judy Hoffman and Jackie Boldt, both of the Mt. Vernon area as well a very special niece, Renee Lavin of Pontotoc, Miss.Nancy Hopper was a graduate of Webber Township High School and worked in numerous factories and warehouses throughout Mt. Vernon over the course of her life. She also worked as a home health aide for VNA for a few years before her final job at the Walgreen's Distribution Center.Nancy had many hobbies and loved to make people laugh. Her joy in life was her children, husband, grandchildren and dogs. She also loved to visit with her dear Horse Creek neighbors. Nancy wished to thank her doctors over the past few years, Dr. Cheryl Emmons of Mt. Vernon as well as Dr. Trask, Dr. Abraham and Dr. Holland of St. John's Hospital in Springfield. Nancy had great care on the Palliative Care floor at St. John's Hospital in Springfield before moving to her home and the wonderful care of VNA Tip Hospice (Centralia Branch). A special thank you to Paula, Joanne, Anne and Dawn.There will be no formal visitation or funeral. It was Nancy's wish to have a party. Thus a celebration of her life is being planned (by invitation only) for a future date.Donations in her memory are being taken by VNA Tip Hospice- Centralia Branch or to Furry Friends Animal Shelter and will be accepted at the funeral home, or from the online obituary at www.hugheyfuneralhome1969.com, or mailed to Hughey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 721, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864.Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Hughey Funeral Home where you may call 242-3348 or visit www.hugheyfuneralhome1969.com for further information and to send condolences.