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Theresa VANN Obituary
Theresa Anne Jones Vann, RN, MSN 1928-2012
SPRINGFIELD - Theresa Anne Jones Vann, died peacefully on the 11th floor of St. John's Hospital, where she worked and taught for so many years, on Monday, June 25, 2012 surrounded by her family and former students.
Born in Springfield on Oct. 26, 1928, to loving parents Leslie Thomas (L.T.) Jones and Mary Agnes (Waters) Jones, Theresa attended Blessed Sacrament grade school, graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in 1946, and from St. John's School of Nursing (now College of Nursing) in 1949. She married William Morgan Vann, Jr. in Springfield at Blessed Sacrament Church on April 15, 1950.
Theresa loved her profession and touched many lives of new mothers, associates, and the students she treasured during her vocation at St. John's Hospital as a nurse on Maternity from 1949-1967 and College of Nursing from 1967 until 2002, where she retired as Assistant Professor in Parent Child Nursing. After her retirement, Theresa continued to volunteer at Saints as a Samaritan and on the Alumni committees. She earned her BSN from Sangamon State University (now UIS) in 1978, and went on to obtain a Masters of Education from SIUC in 1986 and a Master of Nursing from SIUE in 1990. She maintained life-long friendships with hundreds of friends and loved planning all her various school reunions. No one loved to talk and visit more than Theresa; she spent her life building relationships, laughing and loving.
St. John's Alumni Association honored her with the 2011 Distinguished Alumni Award, and she was celebrated all year at the College with numerous events for her years as a role model, beloved instructor, and mentor.
Theresa was preceded in death by her parents, her brother James in 1916, her sister, Sr. Margaret Sienna Jones, OP (Mary Margy) in 1988, many close cousins and a host of friends. She is survived by her husband Bill, and by her children, Bishop Kevin Vann of Ft. Worth, TX; Dennis (wife Claudia) of St. Paul, MN; Les (wife Shannon) of Cincinnati, OH; Gerry (partner David Pearson), of Boston; Mary Therese (M.T.) of Springfield; and Dave of San Francisco, and by her four grandchildren, Kyle, John (wife Dawn), Barrett, and William. She is lovingly remembered by many cousins, nieces, nephews, former students, and close friends.
Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 28, 2012 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1725 S. Walnut St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m.
Concelebrated Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 29, 2012 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, with Most Rev. Kevin W. Vann JCD, DD, principal celebrant.
Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
Memorial contributions to honor Theresa's legacy may be made to: Theresa Vann Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of Friends of St. John's Hospital, 800 E. Carpenter St., Springfield, IL 62769.
The family of Theresa Anne Jones Vann is being served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.
Please visit butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Theresa VANN
Sponsored by Kevin, Dennis, Claudia, Les, Shannon, Gerry, David Pearson, MT, and Dave Vann.
Nicki Prevou
June 25, 2014
Thinking of you and your beautiful family, my dear friend. Love and gratitude to you always.
Les Vann
June 24, 2014
Hi Mom, We all miss you, thank you for looking over us, especially Violet. I can't believe it's been two years. We still mourn but we also celebrate you.
Love,
Leslie
Nicki Prevou
October 26, 2013
Thinking of you today, dear Theresa, and holding your entire family in prayer. Happy, happy birthday. I'm so thankful to have known you.
Judy Ahren
June 26, 2013
Time goes so fast. Holding you all in my thoughts today and prayers to give you peace and love and comfort today and every day. Theresa is watching over you all.
Kevin Vann
December 25, 2012
A candle also for Christmas
from us all..
Kevin Vann
December 25, 2012
Mom,
On this Christmas Day, 2012, the 6th month anniversary of your journey into Eternal Life, we are all thinking of you, and taking turns being with Dad.
Love and prayers,
Kevin, Dennis, Les, Gerry, Mary Therese, David and all..
Les Vann
August 12, 2012
We miss you Mom...we always will
Love
Leslie
Kevin Vann
August 12, 2012
Having just passed your first month anniversary , from
Kevin , Dennis, Les, Gerry, MT, and David... With grateful hearts, memories and prayers, we are all helping Dad and staying close...
Kathy Cobb Cerbin
July 8, 2012
To the Vann family,
I am so sorry to hear of Theresa's passing. She lived a compassionate and loving life. So many of her co-workers, students, classmates, neighbors and friends were touched by her lively and caring spirit. You, her family members, were her most prized gift, and all of you share many of her wonderful attributes- she lives on in and through you!
Theresa had a huge influence in my nursing practice, as she took me under her wing and led me into my teaching career that started at St. John's in 1980. I was able to see first-hand her many talents and gifts as she helped me, and so many others, as we followed in her path.
May God comfort you in this time of loss; my prayers are with you and for you and Theresa.
Suzanne Rehwald
July 6, 2012
What a blessing Mrs. Vann was in my life and near 20 year career in Maternal/Child Nursing at SJH. Mrs. Vann was a true gift from God, and blessed literally thousands of lives in our community. Condolences the the Vann family, but hopefully there is comfort in a life so well and fully lived.
Nancy Ippolito-Broaddus
July 2, 2012
To all of the Vann Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom was a wonderful person and a friend for life. I remember her with great affection. Many years after our families were neighbors on Glenwood, she came to visit my mom when she was in the hospital and they had a great time remembering times past. She always had a smile and a story to tell whenever I saw her. I know that you will all miss her terribly but you must be so proud of her and a life well lived. I am keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Jeanne Buedel
July 1, 2012
Paul and I had the Honor and Privilege of living next door to Bill and Theresa for 27 years. She saved Paul's life when he had his heart attack. We shared everything together. All the good and happy times and all the sad times. For 27 years when Paul called, he would say; "hello Theresa this is Paul next door. She always chuckled at that so I'm sure when she got to Heaven her first call was "Hello Theresa this is Paul next door!!
George & Alice Webster
July 1, 2012
May knowing you're in the hearts and thoughts of others help you and yours through this time of sorrow. May you find strength in the love of family
and in the warm embrace of friends.
June 30, 2012
After speaking with my Sister, Julie Paoli-Duffy this morning, I discovered that I was named after your lovely wife and Mother. In addition to assisting in my delivery, Nurse Vann was the ever-present nurse sweetly attending to my Mother. After 7 children and 7 names beginning with "J", she chose Terry as a salute to Nurse Vann. I only hope I can make half the mark on humanity that she did! In addition, Bishop Vann offered much needed spiritual and emotional support to my Sister and Brother-in-Law while struggling with their dying Son Donald Jr. He did the ulogy at the funeral Mass as well. Blessings to the entire Vann family. You have multiple reasons to be so proud of a remarkable lady that touched so many.
June 30, 2012
Barry and I send our sympathy to the entire Vann family on Theresa's passing. Though we never met her personally, it's through knowing and loving Dennis and his family that we feel connected to all of you and to her. She was clearly an exceptional and much beloved woman. We hope and wish for all of you some measure of comfort in your memories of her.
Barry Yavitz and Tina Theisen
Barb Allen
June 30, 2012
I utterly loved and respected Theresa, first as my Instructor and then as my friend. I will miss her and her Christmas newsletters. I felt I knew all the Vanns because of Theresa's news. I was amazed by this wonderful lady and all that she accomplished. I am so glad that I got to visit with her right before her passing and was able to tell her what her legacy had been for me and many others. MT thank you for keeping me in the know. God bless all of you. I am so sorry I was unable to make the services but my heart was with you all. R.I.P.Theresa, my friend.
June 29, 2012
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Kate & Daron Poage
Pat Stapleton
June 29, 2012
To the Vann Family--sincerest sympathy on the loss of your wife/mother. Thrersa was my mother's OB nurse for two of her 6 children. My mother held Theresa in the highest regard. Prayers are with you.
Joe Degitz (Class of '92)
June 29, 2012
Mrs Vann was an exception nurse, instructor, and person. I can remember when we sat in the nursery rocking babies and her presence would emanate caring and compassion. Her light shone brightest when speaking of her family, she was so proud of her children.
Kitsy McGrath
June 29, 2012
To M.T. and the Vann Family,
I just heard about the passing of your mother. I'm so sorry for the sadness you are feeling at this time. You were blessed to have such a wonderful woman in your life.
Joan Rutherford
June 29, 2012
To M.T. and the entire Vann family, my sympathy and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. I'm sorry for your loss.
Deborah Goetz
June 29, 2012
Our utmost sympathy to the entire Vann family. So sorry we could not be there for what I am sure was your mother's royal send off. Heaven is blessed! Special thoughts to Bishop Vann and M.T. We love you all!
Deb and Tim Goetz and Family
Susan Pollett
June 29, 2012
To the Vann Family,
I met your mother when I was a pt on 11th floor 23 years ago,my son was very ill when he was born and she was a great support to me and my family. She helped us understand what was wrong with him and supported us spritaly. SHe would go and light a candle for him everyday. She ment so very much to us. We are so very sorry for you loss.
Marcia Strow
June 29, 2012
To the Vann family and friends,
My sincere condolences on the loss of such an amazing woman. I was able to experience Mrs. Vann's wealth of knowledge, kindness and love for nursing first as a nursing student and then as a colleague. She shared many stories as I took her home after the St. John's Nursing Alumni meetings. Such a wonderfully loved woman. God's healing blessings to those who mourn the loss of Theresa Vann.
Holly Dorna
June 29, 2012
Dear Les, My heart aches for you, and my thoughts are with you today as you lay your dear mother to rest. May you have peace, and may time heal you. Holly
jamie Lane,RN
June 28, 2012
My prayers and sympathy to the family of Mrs. Vann. She was my mentor, friend and neighbor. The times I would stop at her house when I was on my bike ride with my bird Capri, are such wonderful memories. She will be missed by all. With all my prayers.
Barbara Smith
June 28, 2012
So sorry for your great loss. Mrs. Vann was my OB Nursing Instructor. ( Class of 71') She was wonderful. We learned so much from her. She was so patient and kind. She certainly enjoyed her profession, and loved her family deeply.
Vada Nolting
June 28, 2012
My deepest simpathy goes out to the Vann family at this time of loss. My mother worked at St.John's with Theresa for many years and had nothing but kind words for her. We lost my mother about 5 years ago(Jewell George) They will be catching up in heaven. Wish we could come to the funeral home but it isn't possiable. Agian so sorry for your loss of such an amazing woman.
Amy Eberding, RN
June 28, 2012
To the entire Vann Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Your mother was a WONDERFUL person. She said several years ago" that I would have to take over for her as the nurse on the block". My response was, I could never fill her shoes. She was always so kind, and always smiling. Her and Bill would wave every time they would drive pass our house.
We know that your loss is huge but the world is a better place because Theresa was in it. Now she will continue to teach and smile with the Lord. She will be missed on the block of Douglas Ave.
June 28, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss. I met your mom at St. Johns, worked beside her, took classes with her at SIU-E, and so enjoyed her. Her smiling, kind spirit touched all those around her and she will be missed.
Linda McCall (Norman Soler's office)
Dee Mennel
June 28, 2012
Fr.Vann, MT, and All: We're never ready to give up our mom, but what a long, wonderful life she had. We will be at funeral Mass Friday. Gene & Dee Mennel
Shelley Lamb Canizares
June 28, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the Vann family. Theresa was a wonderful teacher, mentor & friend. She had an amazing ability to teach, comfort, nurture & laugh. It was a pleasure to know her & learn from her. She will be greatly missed.
Laurel Adams
June 28, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Rosalie Jones
June 28, 2012
I had the pleasure of knowing Theresa through my neice, Michele and always felt that she was a very special, kind, sweet person. Her peaceful, kind spirit touched so many people. May God bless the Vann family during this time of loss of a wonderful lady. Peace & Love, Aunt Ro
Christy (Ketchum) Woodward
June 28, 2012
Dear Vann Family,
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Theresa is a constant in my childhood memories. Although I have not seen her in years, I can still hear her voice and her laugh. Being at your house often, weathering storms (literally!)and hanging out with David are all such good memories for me. She was a loyal and loving friend to my mother and I am so grateful she has always been a part of her life. She will be lovingly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all-
With Love
Leslie Jones
June 28, 2012
MT & Family...I am so sorry for your loss. I had the privilege of getting to know your mom when I worked at the hospital. What a sweet person. Always so kind, happy and just a pleasure to be around. My thoughts are with all of you.
June 28, 2012
Condolences to my friends Gerry, Kevin, M.T. and all of the Vann family. Having gone through this just a month ago I do feel your pain. Wishing you all strength and peace through out this and all that comes your way.
Rich Mentel & Family
Port Washington,WI
Virden, IL
Quincy, IL
Ann O'Shea
June 28, 2012
Theresa was such a kind and thoughtful
person. She touched so many lives and
will be greatly missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
June 28, 2012
Dearest Vann Family,
I adored your mom and will miss her very much. She was an inspiration as a mom, a professional and a friend. Her words and laughter will remain with me always.
~Love, Michele Sommers and Family
Terry Link
June 28, 2012
to my friend M.T. & family, may God's Peace be yours in this season.
Denny and Chris Kirchgesner
June 27, 2012
Our deepest sympathy to all the Vann Family. Theresa was certainly one of a kind, very professional, and always devout, motherly, and caring. I saw her numerous times over the years, including her student-teaching at McFarland while I worked there. She was such a sweet and kind nurse, and raised a wonderful family. Theresa will be greatly missed by many. We'll remember her in our prayers. May God grant her Eternal Rest!
Jean Anne Burgio
June 27, 2012
To the entire Vann Family, I am so sorry for the loss of your incredible wife and mother. I was privileged to have had her as my OB instructor. Learning was fun with her. Over the years, I would see her and she always had a smile, a story, and a kind word. Heaven has gained an angel. May God bless her and each one of you.
June 27, 2012
MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FMILIES OF THERESA. FR. GARY LANTZ,SCJ
Colleen O'Sullivan
June 27, 2012
Even though I never had the opportunity to meet Mrs. Vann, I sure know she raised an AMAZING daughter!! Keeping all of you in my prayers....Love ya M
Linda McCarty
June 27, 2012
I was so blessed to have known Theresa! What a wonderful lady. The Vann Family has my sincerest condolences and will be remembered in my prayers.
Vicki Bough
June 27, 2012
To all of the the Vann family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Mrs Vann. I remember her well from when I worked at St John's. She was always such a wonderful caring person that would go out her way to help any one any way that she could. Heaven has truly gained another angel. My prayers are with you all.
Steven Spearie
June 27, 2012
My condolences to the Vann family.
Brenda Yale
June 27, 2012
Condolences to the Vann family. I was blessed to have Mrs. Vann as my OB nursing instructor in 1982. She was always so caring and kind. A true role model.
Judy Ahrens
June 27, 2012
An Angel in the Kingdom of our Lord. May you feel her arms around you when you feel sad, she will always be with you. She has touched many people in her life time. So glad to have known her. She always had time for a chat. God Bless the Vann family. I feel so lucky to have known her and her caring she gave to everyone she touched. M.T. please take care of daddy Bill he realy needs you more now than you will ever know. She will be missd by so many. Always, the Terry A. Ahrens Family.
June 27, 2012
She was loved by so many who admired her and respected her, for her compassionate and nurturing qualities. We were all so lucky to have known such a special lady, and we will always remember her loving and caring spirit... The Claycomb Family
Caryn Williamson
June 27, 2012
She was a great instuctor and 28 years later I still work in OB. She will be greatly missed.
Joe Coffey
June 27, 2012
M.T. and all the Vann family- Please know that many that never had the honor or pleasure of meeting Theresa mourn with you. Many of us feel as if we knew Mrs. Vann thanks to MT and her love for her family ... and gift of gab ;-)
Bless you all and know the thoughts and prayers of many are with you at this time.
Luise Balfanz, CRNA
June 27, 2012
The loss of Mrs. Vann is a great one to her family and to the profession of nursing. She had a great, positive impact on & a smile shared with everyone. I am saddened by our loss yet so privileged to know her since 1981....
Gabe Overturf
June 27, 2012
Dear Vann Family-
So sorry for your loss. Mrs. Vann was a wonderful teacher, friend and mentor. She will be missed. May you find comfort in your many fond memories.
Love and peace,
Gabe (Fuchs)Overturf and family
Susan(Williams) Alex & Josey Irwin
June 27, 2012
Deepest sympathy, prayers and blessings to our extended family. She was the sweetest and I am sure she and Mom are catching up!
Pat Knod
June 27, 2012
Our loss is God's gain! Sister Teresa, you will be missed!
Michael Waters
June 27, 2012
M.T,I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother.May God give you and your family peace during this difficult time.
Kathy Sgro (alumni)
June 27, 2012
What a beautiful legacy she has left for us all. She was a wonderful instructor and example for the love of nursing. She will be missed but remembered with love and admiration.
Carol Robertson
June 27, 2012
My heart hurt hearing of Teresa's passing but knowing and chatting with her so much, I know she is very much at peace and with God. She was such a special, funny and wise lady and will be so missed. Bill, I am so sorry for your loss. I will pray for you as I know how much you loved her and she loved you. M.T. and brothers, my thoughts are with you all and the rest of the Vann family.
Carol Robertson
Sharon Uhrig
June 27, 2012
Mrs. Vann was a wonderful teacher. I was a student of her's at St. John's School of Nursing (1988). I hope her family will find peace in all of the good memories they have had with her to help them through this difficult time.
Karen DeLancy
June 27, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of Theresa's passing. She was an instructor of mine at St. John's College. She was the most caring and true nurse ever. She will be greatly missed.
Maura Brady
June 27, 2012
I am so sorry about your mom's passing. I never got to meet her but she sure nurtured and loved some wonderful children.
My prayers are with you all.
Maura Brady
June 27, 2012
M.T. and the entire Vann family,
I am so sorry for your loss...please let me know if there is anything I can do...
Much love, Marcia Kay Knox
Amie Termine-Rogers
June 27, 2012
Mrs. Vann was such an amazing and sweet lady... I was her neighbor for about 7 years... She was with me when I gave birth to my son and was the first to see him... That was so special to me... Rest In Peace Theresa...
Jerry Ippolito
June 27, 2012
To the Vann Family,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. I was a parishoner of St. Benedict's in Auburn for all of the years that Father Kevin was there. I pray that you have peace in your hearts as you move into a new chapter in your lives without her.
Love,
Jerry Ippolito
Taylorville, IL
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