Anna Vieregge
Godfrey |
Anna M. Vieregge, 96, went peacefully to be with the Lord at 8:46 a.m. on Saturday, August 4 at Integrity Healthcare of Godfrey, while in the company of family. She was born in Fayette County, Illinois on November 2, 1921, the daughter of the late Rollie Watkins and Mary (Horn) Watkins. On June 29, 1940, she married William "Don" Vieregge. He preceded her in death in 1974. A son and daughter-in law, Donald and Marilyn Vieregge of Cottage Hills both preceded her in death in 2010 and 2002, respectively. Two siblings – Carl Watkins and Lillie Davis – also preceded her in death. Surviving are two children, David (Terry) Vieregge of Godfrey and Linda (Gary) Cameron of Bethalto and five grandchildren: Cindy (Brian) Sweet of Collinsville, Derek (Gina) Walker of Bethalto, Brian (Amber) Cameron of Glen Carbon, Tara Vieregge of Maryville and Trisha (Ian) Thomas of Glen Carbon. Two step grandchildren survive, James (Lindee) Autery of East Alton and Jason (Andrea) Autery of St. Charles, Missouri. Ann enjoyed her many great grandchildren as well. A strong, outspoken and virtuous woman, Ann was a hard worker who loved and protected her family unconditionally. Widowed at a young age, hers was a life filled with challenges that only her strength and faith could overcome. Ann’s fiery personality and love of laughter made her a great many faithful friends. Fiercely brave and independent, she learned to drive in her late 50s. She retired from Olin Winchester in 1982 and was a member of the Westerner Club and Bluff City Machinists Lodge 660. Ann was also a devoted member of Bethalto Church of God for over 40 years, where she took part in church activities anytime she could. Her strength was tested when she broke her hip on her 80th birthday. True to form and thanks to her indomitable spirit, she recovered and continued to live independently for several years despite additional medical challenges that typically befall the elderly. Ann spent her final years at Integrity Healthcare in Godfrey (formerly Blu Fountain Manor), again defying the odds on many occasions thanks to her iron will. She became special to so many staff members there, and the family wishes to thank them as well as Heartland Hospice for their exceptional care and compassion.
Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 7 at Paynic Home for Funerals in East Alton. Funeral services will follow at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, August 8 at Paynic with Pastor Terry McKinzie officiating. Burial will be at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.
Memorials may be made to the Bethalto Church of God or Heartland Hospice.
Online guestbook available at www.paynicfh.com
Paynic Home for Funerals
