Elva Podesva
East Alton |
Elva Corinne Podesva passed away June 26, 2018. Corinne, to her friends and family, was born to Ethel (Dragoo) and Vernon Mooneyham in West Vienna, IL on August 12, 1928. She was raised in Christopher, IL and graduated from Christopher Community High School. She received her Bachelor Degree from McKendree College in 1949, and accumulated post-graduate hours from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and Edwardsville.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Becky and Tim Retzer of East Alton; her son, Dr. James Podesva of Carbondale; three grandchildren, Megan Mudd of Danville, Chris Azzarello of Carbondale, and Stefanie (Tony) Scott of Highland; two nieces, Marcia Cooke and Gwen Holder of Christopher; a great granddaughter, Ellie Mudd of Danville; and one cousin, Hazel Hines of Branson, MO.
Corinne was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-four years, Jerome Podesva, in 2015; her parents,; her brother, Dale Mooneyham, who died in childhood; her sister, Norma Carosy of Christopher; her brother-in-law, Glenn Podesva, and sister and and brother-in-law, Thelma and Elmer Buetler all of Lebanon, IL.
Corinne and Jerome "Jerry" were married on December 23, 1951, while he was on Christmas leave from the U.S. Navy, during the Korean War. After graduating from McKendree, Corinne taught classroom music in the East Alton school district for twelve years, and i the Roxana school district for twenty-four years, until her retirement in 1989. She was the voice coach for the Roxana High School musicals, and the Speech Team coach for several years as well. During the 1950's and 1960's, Corinne directed the choir at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Rosewood Heights.
She enjoyed singing, and was a member of the East Alton First United Methodist Church, where she was a member of the choir for many years. She was a founding member of the Gamma Epsilon Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, a member of the Wood River chapter of American Association of University Women, the Madison County Illinois Retired Teachers Unit 2, and the National Education Association.
Corinne spent her summers with her family in New Piasa Chautauqua, IL, since 1972, where she was active with the organizations and various activities there. She enjoyed managing the arts and crafts center, working with the annual children's pageant, and directing the church choir. She and Jerry spent many winter months with friends in Destin, FL She had a creative streak, and was talented in painting and drawing, loved acting and directing theater productions, and enjoyed collecting antiques. She was loved by her friends and family, and will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be from 4-7 pm Friday, June 29 at the 1st United Methodist Church in East Alton and continue from 9 am until time of service at 10 am Saturday. Rev. William Pyatt will officiate.
Memorials may be made to the 1st United Methodist Church or New Piasa Chautauqua Church.
A private service will be in College Hill Cemetery in Lebanon at a later date, where Corinne and Jerry will be laid to rest.
Marks Mortuary in Wood River is in charge of arrangements.
Mark's Mortuary
