Veronica E. Blake (nee O'Neill) of Elwood, formerly of Chicago, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 19, 2024, at her home with her loving family at her side. Survived by her high school sweetheart and husband of 68 years, John Blake Sr., her children Denise (George) Weiland, John P. (Patricia) Blake Jr., Steven (Theresa) Blake and Diane (Lee) Ponshe, her grandchildren Kimberly (Don) Rogers, George (Sandy) Weiland, Michelle Weiland, Kayley (Fabian) Vera, Megan Blake, Patrick Blake, Samantha Blake, Veronica Blake, Lee (Pauline) Ponshe and Dana (Chris) Schroeder, her great grandchildren Katherine, Benjamin, Madelyn, George, Reagan, Kinsley, Quinn, Jessie, Lee Jr., Arya, and Blayne, her brother Dennis (Lucy) O'Neill, John (Diane) O'Neill and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her parents Dennis Sr. and Veronica (nee Doyle) O'Neill.

Veronica was a graduate of Visitation High School in Chicago. She worked for Illinois Bell for a time until she had her children and became a stay-at-home mom for six years. Veronica returned to work in the grocery industry where she was the district manager for National Foods. She then worked in sales in sporting goods and automotive for K-Mart until her retirement at age 55. Veronica enjoyed traveling and camping in her motorhome with her family. After selling the motorhome, she and John bought a permanent spot at a campground in Millbrook where they continued to make lasting memories. Veronica was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to her hospice team and caregivers.

Visitation for Veronica will take place Thursday, April 25, 2024, from 9-11:00 A.M. at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home. Funeral service will take place the same day beginning with prayers at 11:00 A.M. at the funeral home followed by procession to St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Wilmington for 12:00 Noon Mass of Christian Burial. Committal service and inurnment will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood at 1:30 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations in Veronica's name to Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431 would be most appreciated.

Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3352, www.forsythegouldfh.com.