Vera Marie Locknar

Vera Marie “Mimi” Locknar, age 77, of Elgin, IL, passed away on August 9, 2023 from multiple myeloma less than a year after her diagnosis. She was born January 31, 1946 in Washington, DC to her loving parents, William and Audrey (née Mooney) Thompson.

Mimi worked as a microbiologist/medical technologist for many years in the Chicagoland area. She enjoyed music, reading, traveling with friends, baking (and eating), sewing and crafts, painting, and nature walks. She was an active volunteer at Gail Borden Public Library, served as an usher at Elgin Community College, and helped at the local food bank.

She is survived by daughters, Angie Locknar (husband Michael Burke) of Woburn, MA, and Sarah Locknar (husband Scott Gordon-Wylie) of Winter Park, FL; grandchildren, Elyria Gordon-Wylie of Tuscon, AZ and Kyle Gordon-Wylie of Arlington, VA; sister, Ann McArthur of Wilmette, IL; brother, Bill Thompson (wife Kerry Thompson) of Melrose, MA; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

Mimi lived in Elgin for over 50 years, forging lifelong bonds with her many loyal and caring friends. Angie and Sarah would like to thank Mimi’s friends for their support and love during her illness.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 3:30pm to 5:30pm, Saturday, September 16, 2023 at the Elgin History Museum, 360 Park Street, Elgin, IL 60120. The celebration will have an open format; all are welcome to share favorite memories or stories about Mimi. Remarks will begin at 4:00pm, but guests are welcome any time. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Mimi’s name to the Gretchen S. Vapnar Community Crisis Center, Gail Borden Public Library, or Elgin Symphony Orchestra.

Final arrangements entrusted to Symonds-Madison Funeral Home. For more information, call 847-741-1128.

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