Florence Spezia
Bethalto |
Florence "Yvonne" Spezia (McArthy) passed away on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Cedarhurst Senior Living in Bethalto.
Yvonne was born on June 13, 1941, in Carbondale, IL, to Anna Marie (Holloway) and George Augustus McArthy.
She graduated furniture reupholstering from John A. Logan in June of 1972, so she could work from home and be there for her children. Yvonne started Spezia Upholstery in 1972 and retired in 2015. She enjoyed traveling. Yvonne took several trips to Hawaii, California, Montana, and a trip to Sturgis, South Dakota on a Harley. She enjoyed sitting by a stream, just listening to the water.
She loved playing with her grandkids and her nieces and nephews. When Grandma came to visit, she always played Uno or Phase 10. Once even with a head lamp on because the power was out. Her nieces and nephews lovingly referred to her a "Crazy Aunt Yvonne", because she got down and played with them.
Later in life, she got into watching NASCAR and golf. She always enjoyed walking outdoors and cooking meals with family and friends. She moved around a lot but made Carmi, Illinois, her home. Eventually she moved to Bethalto with her long time companion Neal in 2017 to be closer to her family.
Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Deborah and Larry Schmitt; a grandson, Tyler Schmitt; and a granddaughter, Taylor Schmitt; great-grandson, Henry Schmitt; a brother, Garrett McArthy; a sister, Reba Davis; and a brother-in-law, Greg Conlon.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, James Spezia; grandson, Nicholas Schmitt; a sister, Norma Conlon; a brother, Donald (Kay) McArthy; a brother-in-law, Bob Davis; and Neal Crawford.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, from 1 p.m. until service at 3 p.m., at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto, Pastor Terry McKinzie will officiate.
The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to all the staff at Cedarhurst and Vitas Hospice.
Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
