Clare Vignola

Clare Vignola passed away peacefully at her home in St. Charles on November 1, 2020, at age 98.

She was born on May 23, 1922, in Repaupo, N.J. to Lithuanian immigrants Anton and Anna (Zverblis) Palilonis.

Clare graduated from Paulsboro, N.J. High School in 1938 and continued her education at Camden Commercial College.

It was love at first sight when Clare and Joe Vignola met and in 1942 they were married. She was working as the executive secretary to the president of Atlantic City Electric Company.

In 1958, when her two daughters, Joanne and Penny, were in elementary school, Clare enrolled at Glassboro State Teachers College (now Rowan University). Four years later she graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree and a K-12 teaching certificate.  She went on to earn a master's degree in Administration and Supervision while teaching elementary school.

After moving to Illinois in 1965 Clare earned a master's degree in Guidance at Northern Illinois University and worked at Geneva High School as a guidance counselor and then as Director of Guidance. She also taught fourth grade for several years at Western Avenue School.

After retiring, Clare enjoyed relaxing winters in Florida with her snowbird buddies.

Through the years she had fun being a Girl Scout leader and Sunday school teacher. Her love for dancing encouraged her to become a line dancing instructor.

She traveled and visited many places around the world.

However, her real passion was painting. She painted numerous exquisite oils and watercolors.  Many of these artworks are proudly displayed in the homes of her family and friends.

Clare is survived by her daughters Joanne (John H.) Brayton of Geneva and Jeanne "Penny" (Merlin Tobler) Vignola of St. Charles, two grandsons John M.D. (Beth) Brayton and their children Clara, Charlotte, and Benjamin, and Jim (Meagan) Brayton and their son Joe, one brother George Albert Palilonis in New Jersey and many nieces and nephews.

Clare was predeceased by her parents, three brothers and a sister, her husband Joe who died in 1989 and their grandson Joe Brayton who was killed in an automobile accident in 1984

We will miss her beautiful smile.

A celebration of Clare's amazing life will take place in the Spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated your choice.

Arrangements handled by Malone Funeral Home in Geneva.  For information 630-232-8233 or malonefh.com.

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