Sharon Vercelli

Age 82 of Wilmington, Illinois, died Sunday, March 31, 2024 at her home surrounded by loved ones.
 
Born February 10, 1942 in Joliet, Illinois, Sharon Louise was the daughter of Elmer and Kathryn (Drake) Rub. Sharon's journey began in Wilmington, where she was raised and educated. Sharon graduated from Wilmington High School in 1960 and went on to attend beauty school. She then married her high school sweetheart, Emil "Scotty" Vercelli on October 14, 1961. Together they built a life in Wilmington for over six decades.
 
Her warm spirit and talents shone brightly as she pursued a career in beauty and later found joy working at The Flower Loft in Wilmington. Sharon's love for handcrafts like sewing, beading, and quilting brought happiness to those around her as she created countless keepsakes for family and friends.
 
A true adventurer at heart, Sharon treasured her travels both near and far. Boating excursions, camping and vacations with loved ones and friends held a special place in her heart. Her grandchildren often joined her on trips and journeys throughout the years - an opportunity for them to create memories that they will hold onto for a lifetime.
 
Family gatherings were dear to Sharon as she cherished time spent with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and extended family. For the family she built, Sharon found the strength to fight hard against cancer, demonstrating great resilience, courage, and humor during treatment. 

Survivors include her husband, Scotty Vercelli of Wilmington; three children: Debbi (Mark) Cox and Nan (Jim) Coleman, both of Wilmington, and Steve (Laura) Vercelli of Madison, Mississippi; seven grandchildren: Dr. Nick Cox, MD, Zach Cox, Abbey Cox, Sarah Coleman, Michael (Madi) Vercelli, Dr. Maria Vercelli, DVM, and Allison (Connor) Willson; three great grandchildren: Beckett and Kennedy Vercelli, and Holt Willson; one sister, Carla Darr of Washington, and four sisters-in-law: Debbie (Leo) Brooks of Naples, Florida, Jean Stickel and Lynn Vercelli, both of Wilmington, and Toni (Jerry) LaPointe of Homer Glen, Illinois; and numerous nieces and nephews.
 
Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, her father-in-law and mother-in-law: Emil and Phyllis Vercelli; one brother, Jack Rub, one grandson, Brian Coleman, and three brothers-in-law: Jim Stickel, Charles (Charlotte) Vercelli and Lodi Vercelli. 
 
Per Sharon's wishes, cremation rites are being accorded.
 
The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at First United Methodist Church, 401 East Kahler Road, in Wilmington on Friday, April 5, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Memorial services will follow on Saturday, April 6, 2024, in the church at 11:00 a.m., with Reverend Harriette Cross officiating. Inurnment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Wilmington.
 
Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Sharon's memory to Kuzma Care Cottage in Wilmington.
 
Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Sharon's memorial page via social media.
 
Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Wilmington (815) 476-2181.