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Verna Ileo Obituary

ILEO, Verna Ann, age 42, of Richmond, passed away January 19, 2010. A graduate of J.R. Tucker High School, Verna enjoyed the beach and spending time with her longtime best friend, George, and her beloved cat, Blackjack. Verna was very kind and had a huge heart. She loved people, animals and angels. She is now with the angels. Verna is survived by her mother, Mikela Rives of Reno, Nev.; her father and stepmother, Michael and Andrea Ileo of Wellington, Fla.; her brother, Michael Ileo of Richmond, Va. Her funeral service will be held at the Parham Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Rd., on Saturday, January 23, 2010, at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Verna's family is asking friends to make donations to Henrico Mental Health PACT Team, 10299 Woodman Rd., Glen Allen, Va. 23060.



This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch from Jan. 21 to Jan. 23, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Verna Ileo

Sponsored by Gail Hmielewski, Sister and Friend.

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Roxann Kelley

February 6, 2010

Dear Andrea, Gail and the rest of Verna's family, I am so sorry to hear about this heartbreaking loss.

Tracie Mathewes

February 5, 2010

I just found out about Verna. I have thought about her over the years. So sad I didn't get in touch. I haven't knows anything that has been going on in her life but I miss her just the same.
I remember some fun and crazy times during high school in your house! No details so don't ask. But we always had so much fun. Verna had a very contagious and beautiful personality.
God that seems like so long ago. We were the exact same age.
I have some pictures of her if you'd like them.
I'm in Charleston, SC now. My married name is Tracie Mathewes.
I am so sorry for your loss. I know there is a void for you both.
Tracie Longerbeam

Kayla Miller

February 4, 2010

Andrea and Michael,
My name is Kayla Miller, I'm Angie Millers daughter, Dixie Clemens grand daughter. I'm not sure if you remember me or not. I just wanted to let you know how sorry i am about Verna. That was a tragedy, and I hope you never have to endure that much emotional pain again. i cannot imagine what you're going through, but it must be something fierce. Verna was a beautiful person (on the inside and outside), and thats something i believe to be a very rare thing in this world. My mother was telling me about Verna the other day, and i thought to myself, i wish i had known her more. i love you guys, and i miss you andrea.
Thinking of you,
Kayla <3

Renee Todd

February 1, 2010

We are so sorry for your loss. We did not know Verna and we cannot imagine what you're going through, but we wanted you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time of your lives. Renee Todd and Lou Zabelny

Gina Hale-Peterson

January 28, 2010

I met & worked with Verna for a short time many years ago here in Richmond. She was such a sweet girl & so pretty, definately left a lasting impression on me. To her family & friends, I am so sorry for your loss...it is obvious that she will be truly missed.

Lori Rosen

January 28, 2010

Dear Andrea, Mike and Michael,

Although it has been many, many years since I've seen Verna (when she was a little girl in fact!), truly the sentiments and memories shared by so many loved ones, friends and family members alike, have given me a glimpse of the beautiful, kind, loving young woman Verna had become. Surely she is one of God's precious angels . . .

Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to you, Andrea and Mike, and your family. You have our friendship and support, always.

Lori, Gary and Family

Eileen

January 27, 2010

To Verna's family and friends, I am so saddened for your loss. I only worked with Verna for a short time but I will never forget her beautiful smile and uplifting personality. She was truly beautiful inside and out and I know she is the most beautiful Angel in Heaven now. I will never forget her...her memory will always be with all of us until we see her again one day soon.

Mike & Patty Keogh

January 25, 2010

Mike, Andrea & Michael,
We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your daughter. As others have written, we did not know Verna, but we knew you both and know how much you liked to speak of her and her life in VA. I am sure we will hear many more stories of her and her short precious life here on earth.
We love you guys, you are always in our thoughts & prayers.

Marilyn & Eddie Bishop

January 25, 2010

Michael and Andrea,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this most difficult time.

Eddie and Marilyn

January 25, 2010

Mike and Andrea
Words can never adequately cover a loss such as this, so there is no need to even attempt a glib or profound sentiment; it would be futile. You grew her up right, she had good values and a great heart. We never had the pleasure of knowing Verna, but we know you, and we know that you did your best and gave her all the love that you could.

Take comfort, as you can, in the knowledge that she knew how loved she was, and she loved you equally.

We are so so sorry for your loss. Whatever we can do, please let us know. We want to be there for you. We love you.

Jim and Sandra Del Gaizo

January 23, 2010

ur plan to get together this summer. God blessed you with an angel and V erna will be missed. We love you guys and will always have you in our prayers. L ove Angie, Kayla and Trey miller powhatan ,va 804-385-1894

Christine McGrew Blair

January 23, 2010

Verna was full of an amazing amount of kindness and light that many of us who last saw her at our graduation continue to feel as thoughts of her flood our minds 25 years later.

Thank you Verna for reminding us of our love and compassion for one another. May our coming together in prayer bring you peace and joy and be felt deep within your loving soul.

Heaven is now a more beautiful place with you there.

JR Tucker '85

January 23, 2010

Our deepest sympathy.

George & Betty Hoffer
Richmond, Virginia

Kay Parcell Hoff

January 23, 2010

I don't remember Verna not being in my life. When we were young, she was almost like a sister to me. We spent summers and holidays together. We talked about boyfriends and schoolmates. We fought like siblings. Even as a very young girl, she was so beautiful and very quick to smile. While it has been a long time since I have seen her, she has never been far from my thoughts and prayers. I have no doubt that she is now among God's angels and we may take comfort in the fact that one day we will be with her and can spend eternity catching up.

Sheila Pugh

January 23, 2010

I remember first meeting Verna when she was about 7 years old. She was so proud of her long blonde pigtails. Her smile and laughter were contagious even back then. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this tragic time.

Jill Parcell

January 22, 2010

I will remember Verna by her beautiful smile, her generous heart, and her vibrant spirit. She had this energy about her that made people smile and want to be around her. I remember trips to the beach, pool parties, and her performance in Grease. She will always be loved.

Gail Hmielewski

January 22, 2010

To My Beloved Sister, Mike, and Michael, My heart is breaking for you all at this most difficult and tragic time. How I wish I could do something to take your pain away. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you every moment. As I read the entries others have written here in this guestbook, I am so impressed by how much Verna touched the lives of those around her. So many have spoken of her beauty, both in and out, her kind spirit, her wonderful singing voice, her warmth and laughter. May your lovely memories and her loving spirit carry you now through this most difficult, arduous time. I love you all so much.

Maggie & Bob

January 22, 2010

Words cannot express the sadness I feel. My deepest sympathy to you and the family. Verna was an exceptional young woman and will be greatly missed

tami fruhwirth

January 22, 2010

I am thinking of her family, especially her mother as I have worked with her for many years. Her daughter's beautiful picture is displayed with pride in her office and everytime someone asked "who is that beautiful woman," Mikela would grin ear to ear. I am so sorry for the loss.

Kathy Kafka

January 22, 2010

Dear Michael and Andrea,
I'm so sorry for your loss. She sounded like a wonderful person.
Love, Kathy Kafka

Jennifer Turner-Acampora

January 22, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with Verna's family.

I will always remember her laugh and smile during our time at JR Tucker and all the fun we had in chorus.

Andrea Johnson

January 22, 2010

My heart & deepest sympathy goes out to you all. Words are not enough in times like these but we can remember the good times. God bless the Ileo family who have all been so wonderful to me & to all of the people Verna touched. I remember Verna being so much fun when I was a little girl. You will remain in my thoughts & the good memories will see you through. Rest in peace Verna.
All my Love,
Andrea Johnson

January 22, 2010

My thoughts and prayers and deepest sympathy go out to Verna's family, loved ones and friends.

To Verna, our private conversations will always be private.....you are beautiful through and through... I hope you have found that complete sense of inner peace you were searching for but had always had...

Kim Angevine Blowe

January 21, 2010

I am so very sorry for the loss of your daughter,your sister, your best friend, and our Tucker classmate. I remember Verna as a vivacious, talented, and sweet girl. She was the kind of person that was a friend to everyone. My heart is heavy and my prayers are with you.

Lydia

January 21, 2010

Dear Michael,Andrea & Michael,
There is no way to express the sympathy I feel for all of you over Verna's loss. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you every minute of this difficult time.

Kathy Winn Brown

January 21, 2010

Deepest sympathy.....to all of Verna's family and friends. Although High School was a long time ago, I do remember Verna as a beautiful girl with a big love for life. Her beautiful spirit is a reminder to us all how precious life is.

Michael Coppolelli

January 21, 2010

Dear Michael & Andrea, please accept our (Michael & Walter) sincerest condolences with Verna's passing! You now must maintain all those wonderful memories (like ones I remember so fondly of) during this most difficult period! Please call me if there's anything I can do for you! (703) 966-9922

Debbie (McNew) Spence

January 21, 2010

I didn't know Verna that well and it was a long time ago since I've seen her but she had such a beautiful smile and welcoming heart that she made herself unforgetable. My prayers are with her family and friends that knew her best at this difficult time! May God hold you in his hands!

Robin Coppolelli

January 21, 2010

Cousin Mike, I am so so shocked and saddened by Verna's passing, I always looked forward to seeing her over at Aunt Angie and Aunt Jenny's. We had an awful lot in common, I wish you peace and serenity during this time. Love always, Robin Coppolelli

Karol Smith

January 21, 2010

I too also met Verna years ago in school. I was stunned at her physical beauty and then to hear her sing, it was amazing. She touched so many of us with her kind spirit. My prayers got out to her family.

Jennifer Tuck Connelly

January 21, 2010

Please accept my deepst sympathy. Verna and I where both Tucker Tiger class of 1985 and like so many of us we also had lost touch over the years. I now regret that. I have so many fond memories of our years as classmates. There have been many wonderful stories written over the past few days on Facebook from her classmates who loved her. Verna was beautiful and had an unbelievable smile, voice and zest for life. I hope you will find comfort in knowing how much she was loved by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.

Mark Edrys

January 21, 2010

I remember her from high school... she was a sweet person and a beautiful soul :(

Paige Albert

January 21, 2010

Verna did have a lovely voice....and what a smile! I wish I could be at the memorial saturday to give my condolences in person and spend time with our classmates enjoying stories from our Tiger days. The angel's have anew voice!

Page Buehren

January 21, 2010

Verna was a beautiful girl with an innocent laugh and contagous smile. Although many years are between our last conversation, childhood friends hold a special place in our hearts. One of my earliest memories of her is singing this song during a school assembly. It was a courageous thing to do given the artist who released the song...but I remember being amazed at her ability to make it her own song. My prayers go out to her family and may she rest in peace. The song was "My heart belongs to me" by Barbra Streisand.

Scott Young

January 21, 2010

Please accept my most sincere condolences. I also met Verna many years ago as a classmate. I think that Susan and Amber both have done a wonderful job describing how we will all best remember Verna - with a beautiful smile, a kind heart and an incredibly gentle spirit. She will me missed by many more than she could have ever imagined!

Kelley McColley

January 21, 2010

When I think of Verna, I see her radiant smile, her love of the beach, and the way she would always find good in people. I will never forget her. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief in the many tough days ahead.

Verna Sigman

January 21, 2010

Mike,

I am deeply sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. I enjoyed working with Verna back in the day. She was definitely an ANGEL and she will be missed. May God comfort all of you. Should you ever need anything, please let me know.

Sharon Highfill

January 21, 2010

My thoughts and prayers and deepest sympathy go out to Verna's family and friends. I too had lost touch with Verna over the years but the amazing memories of her smile, her voice, and her spirit have come flooding back to me. Many of her Tucker Tiger family have reconnected on Facebook and the wonderful things that have been shared in her memory warm my heart. She is an angel now......and will never be forgotten.

Tim Tate

January 21, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this terrible time.

I remember Verna as a wonderful, beautiful soul. We sang together at JR Tucker, and she was always a joy.

Page Buehren

January 21, 2010

Verna was a beautiful girl with an innocent laugh and contagous smile. Although many years are between our last conversation, childhood friends hold a special place in our hearts. One of my earliest memories of her is singing this song during a school assembly. It was a courageous thing to do given the artist who released the song...but I remember being amazed at her ability to make it her own song. My prayers go out to her family and may she rest in peace. I hope my friends who knew her are returned to that assembly and smile. Verna would like that. May her family be comforted and strengthened each day by their memories and faith. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VxyTQnDfDk

April Watts

January 21, 2010

My heartfelt sympathy, thoughts & prayers go out to Michael, Andrea , Little Michael, George, Mikela & the many many people who Verna touched & inspired throughout her all to brief lifetime. Verna is now truly an angel among the angels & will be deeply missed by us all. May God bless this family & comfort them during this difficult time & help them find peace in what is certain to be a trying time time in the months to come. Rest in Peace Verna.
April & Rhiannon Watts

A Classmate JR Tucker 1985

January 21, 2010

She entered this life like a flower, and grew in our hearts
We played and learned in the school yard, until time grew us apart
Her passing has left a tear in the fabric of our lives
But the strength of a Tiger shall always rise
In Heaven you see us in all our grief and sorrow
But we are stronger now as together we face our tomorrow

We shall miss you Verna, God bless you and your family.

Traci Shuster

January 21, 2010

I am very saddened by Verna's passing. From our high school days, I remember her beautiful smile, her engaging laugh, and her love for fun and friendship. She was and always be a wonderful reminder of the Class of 1985.

Susan Cadora Upshaw

January 20, 2010

Please accept my deepest sympathy. I met Verna more than 30 years ago as classmates. While we'd lost touch over the years, I never forgot her kind, gentle spirit. May there be comfort in knowing that someone so special as Verna will never be forgotten.

amber hunter

January 20, 2010

wow....Verna....you are so loved and so missed...so many, so many beautiful memories! Your smile, your voice, your heart, your compassion.....your sense of adventure (especially with me).....you are now my angel and you will always be with me.....you would want us to celebrate you....and we will......

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