VaNita J. Bresnahan, the daughter of Morin Beck and E. Jeannette (Martin) Schaeffer passed from this life Thursday, December 14,2023 at Monmouth Nursing Home. She remained sharp as a tack even as the body destroying Parkinson disease overcame her. Her birth, October 8, 1936 took place in Champaign, IL. She was raised near and in Monmouth graduating from Monmouth High School in 1955. She was joined in marriage to Charles C Bresnahan on October 15, 1955. From this union 3 sons and a daughter were born her in Monmouth. Throughout her life, VaNita held numerous positions of employment. Known within the community for a 10 plus year Tupperware Manager Ship, as an Avon dealer and a Girl Scout leader to recall a few of her endeavors. She was an employee of Warren Achievement in its beginnings. Charles and VaNita left Monmouth shortly after the closing of Gambles Warehouse (his employment) to pursue work with the Motel 6 Chain. They traveled to various states across the country for several years. They settled in Southern California to be near family and employment in Senior Living Management in San Pedro, CA. Upon leaving CA, they resettled in Sulphur, Louisiana to again be near family and employment. VaNita lived in Springfield,IL where she was lastly employed by the Springfield Housing Authority for 18 years before fully retiring. She returned to Monmouth in 2016 to be close to family and spend the remainder of her life. Family Genealogy, sewing and quilting were a few of her interests. VaNita’s talents were well known for her kitchen skills whether baking or providing holiday or everyday meals for her family and friends. No one can forget her cinnamon rolls and 1000’s of dozens of cookies. A faith union led her and Charlie to devote many years of involvement with the Knights of Columbus.
Surviving her are the following children and their families: Son, Timothy D and Kathy (Harvey) Bresnahan of Monmouth, IL, their 4 children and 11 grandchildren. Son, Dennis M and Pris (Guidry) Bresnahan of Spanish Fort, Alabama, their 4 children and 8 grandchildren. Daughter, Alicia M Bresnahan (Darren) of Springfield,IL and her daughter. Son, Andrew J Bresnahan (Lisa) of Galva, IL. 7 children, 3 grandchildren and 2 babes in the Spring. Others surviving include her brother Dean Schaeffer of Taylorville,IL, Sister in law Rosemary Huffard of Reno, NV and Sister in law/sister Deanna Schaeffer of Monmouth, IL. as well as nieces, nephews and scattered cousins. Passing before VaNita were her parents, Charles, brother Gene Schaeffer and sister Lianne Schaeffer.
Per her wishes she will be cremated and her cremated remains interred in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Monmouth at a later date. Memorials may be given in her name to the Immaculate Conception School (ICS) or left with Turnbull Funeral Home who is in charge of arrangements, to forward. The family wishes to acknowledge OSF Hospice employee Candi and others for their gentle love.
A memorial mass is scheduled on January 2, 2024 at 1:00 pm at Immaculate Conception Church of Monmouth, Illinois. Her family plans visitation at 11:30 am at the church and will receive their friends prior to the mass. Interment in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery will follow the mass. Fellowship is planned following at Mary Twomey Hall.
