Vera "Bonnie" Plesko Obituary (1926 - 2021)

Vera Yvonne (Bonnie) Plesko, 95, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2021, at Evenglow Lodge in Pontiac, Illinois. Born on June 9, 1926, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, she was the daughter of John Joseph Ray and Mary Veronica (Rittenhouse) Ray. Bonnie married John E. Plesko on August 6, 1946. He preceded her in death as did her one sister JoAnn Rogers. Surviving is a son, Todd (Patty) Plesko, Dallas, Texas; two daughters, Jalie (Alan) Zvibleman, St. Louis, Missouri and Kim (Mike) McGraw, Pontiac; six grandchildren, Christopher and Nicholas Plesko, Jessica Strang, Sam and Charles Zvibleman, Kaitlin (Mitch) Bailey; and eight great-grandchildren. Bonnie graduated from high school in Syracuse, NY in 1944 and received a B.A. from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1948, studying education, and where she met her husband. She took Master's level college coursework in education at Illinois State University. Bonnie taught kindergarten for over 20 years, most of which was at the Lincoln Elementary School in Pontiac. Bonnie was active throughout her life in various women's groups including the Clionians' Society, where she first shared her love of Emily Dickinson's poetry. She was involved in many volunteer church activities at the First Presbyterian Church of Pontiac, where she was a member for over 65 years. In retirement, Bonnie was a leader in the local chapter of the Livingston-McLean County Alliance for the Mentally Ill. Cremation rites were accorded. Memorial services will be family only. Calvert and Martin Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Memorial contributions in Bonnie's name may be made to National Alliance on Mental Illness of Livingston and McLean Counties. This obituary can be read and guestbook signed at www.calvertmemorial.com.