Elsie M. DeVardo

May 25, 1927 - June 18, 2020

Elsie M. DeVardo, age 93, of Marion, IL, passed away peacefully at 1:19 a.m., on Thursday, June 18, 2020, at Century Assisted Living Center of Carbondale, IL. She was born on Wednesday, May 25, 1927, in Murphysboro, IL, the daughter of Thomas Monroe and Camilla Margaret (Schmellmeyer) Richards. Elsie attended school in Murphysboro, and was a graduate of Murphysboro High School Class of 1945. She was united in marriage to Thomas Marion DeVardo, on Sunday, February 1, 1948, in Murphysboro, and together they have shared over 72 years of marriage. Elsie began her working career with the Osbourne Dental Office of Murphysboro for about 10 years. She then took a leave from working outside of the home taking time to raise her family. During this time, she managed her home and saw to the needs of her husband and children, John and Tim. As the children got older, she returned working outside of the home as a Claims Technician with the Illinois Department of Employment Security for about 25 years until her retirement around 1989. She was a 55 year plus member of Warder Street Baptist Church of Marion, being actively involved until her health declined. In her spare time, she loved oil painting, having taken painting lessons from Artist Bob Jackson of Marion. She also loved being with her family, being known as the photographer of the many family gatherings, and was always interested in their many activities. The many memories that have been created will now be cherished by those she leaves behind. She is survived by her husband, Thomas M. DeVardo of Marion; son and daughter-in-law, Tim and Lorie DeVardo of Marion; two grandsons, Josh A. DeVardo of Marion and Ben S. DeVardo and wife, Erin of Mt. Vernon, IL; great grandson, Collin A. DeVardo of Mt. Vernon; sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Marvin Oetjen of Carterville, IL, two sisters-in-law, Ruth Ann Richards of Murphysboro and Nadine Battioli of Herrin, IL, other extended family and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; son, John Thomas DeVardo in December of 2001; two sisters, Beulah Ferguson and Ruby Fenton and three brothers, Thomas M. Richards, Jr., Robert Richards and Homer Richards. Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., Marion. DUE TO HEALTH CONCERNS RELATED TO THE COVID-19 VIRUS AND BY THE SIGNING OF EXECUTIVE ORDER BY THE ILLINOIS GOVERNOR, it is recommended funeral homes adhere to limit public gatherings within the funeral home. It is recommended if you are planning on attending the visitation or service please wear a mask and social distance yourself from others. The time of visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2020, at the funeral home. Following the time of visitation, the graveside committal service will at 12:30 p.m. in Murdale Gardens of Memory, located at 137 Murdale Gardens Road east of Murphysboro, IL, with her son, Tim S. DeVardo presiding. Those wishing to attend the graveside committal service should gather at the cemetery prior to 12:30 p.m. The family has requested rather than customary gifts of remembrance, memorial contributions be made to “Marion Medical Mission”. Memorial contributions may be mailed to the Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court St., Marion, IL 62959. Memorial envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. For additional information call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.