Vera Atwell

Vera Jane Funk Atwell was born to James Woodford Funk & Irma Elizabeth Bennett in Cincinnati, Hamilton, Ohio on May 19, 1926.  Her brothers were James, Tommie Lee, and Larry.  She was a happy child & had many dear friends. Vera was a second mother to me.  She would put me in her basket on her bicycle taking me for thrill rides down the hill on Rutledge Avenue which would take my breath away.  Mom would be worried that Vera & I would be hurt in a bicycle accident.  Vera was a wonderful sister all my life & was always mindful of any family member’s needs. She was always there for all of us.   We loved to hear her laugh.  If we were down, it would get us right back up again. The family moved from Cincinnati to; then to Kingsport; then onto Chicago in 1943 during the war.  Vera & her friend Helen (Mackey) volunteered to the USO to dance with military members passing through to their duty stations.  Vera danced all her life even as a child.  Even near her death as she would appear to be fully asleep, she would be tapping her toe on the bottom of the bed to the tune of the music that was playing.  She was always happy & optimistic about life. She married Chick Atwell in Chicago.  They moved to Dayton, Ohio.  Both worked civil service for Wright Patterson AFB.  They were madly in love with each other as long as the years they had together and never left each other’s side in good times and bad.  She was a stepmother to his three children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  Her beloved husband died in 1975.  She & her mother were widows until the end of their lives. Vera loved Dr. McCarthy and followed his instructions meticulously.  We express appreciation to him for his loving care of Vera and of our Mother.  Vera had loving neighbors including Doris, who have been so very kind to her!  We express our deep gratitude to them for all that they have done.  Her neighborhood was tight-knit, and they watched out after each other. Our dear sister Vera Jane Atwell passed away peacefully, Sunday, September 13, 2015, in St. Leonard’s San Damiano Assisted Living Home in Centerville.  We express appreciation to St. Leonard’s Staff & Nurses for their supreme care of Vera.  She was a vivacious soul!  Burial will be September 21, 2015, in Woodlawn Cemetery, Forest Park, Illinois. We express deep appreciation to Kopicki Funeral Homes and their fine staff for all that they have done to prepare for this special day.  Now Vera is with husband & family through all wonderful eternity.  Happy Eternal Life!

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