Vera Jean Bloomquist, 73, of Granite City, IL, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 23, 2025, at Evelyn’s House in St. Louis, MO, surrounded by the love and warmth of her cherished family.
Born on February 23, 1952, in Mt. Vernon, IL, Vera was the beloved daughter of the late Ullon Sechrest and Vera Weller. A proud veteran of the United States Army, Vera served her country with honor and dedication.
On September 1, 1972, she married the love of her life, Larry Bloomquist, in Granite City, beginning a beautiful journey of love, partnership, and devotion that lasted over five decades.
Vera pursued her passion for caregiving as a registered nurse, earning her B.S.N. and touching countless lives throughout her career. She began her service at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, continued at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Granite City, and ultimately retired from Anderson Hospital in Maryville, IL. Her compassion and skill as a nurse left a lasting mark on everyone she encountered.
A woman of quiet strength and gentle spirit, Vera found joy in life’s simple pleasures—taking long walks, losing herself in a good book, and, above all, treasuring time spent with her family. Her heart was fullest when she was with her grandchildren, whom she adored with boundless love.
Vera will be remembered as a devoted wife, nurturing mother, proud grandmother, beloved sister and aunt, and loyal friend. Her kindness, grace, and unwavering love will be dearly missed by all who were blessed to know her.
She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers: Robert, Bertram, and Michael Sechrest.
Left to carry her legacy are her devoted husband of 52 years, Larry Bloomquist of Granite City, IL; her loving daughters, Mary (Michael) O’Donnell of Jacksonville, NC, and Robin Bloomquist of Shreveport, LA; her siblings, Greg (Janet) Bloomquist, Joyce Witcher, and Lain (Loren) Tetrault; her eleven treasured grandchildren: Jacob, Andrew, Lucas, Aaron, Isabel, Abigail, Lila, Austin, Alexis, Ava, and Amelia; along with many dear nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
A celebration of Vera’s remarkable life will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Greater Alton Church, 506 E. Airline Drive, East Alton, IL 62024.
In honor of her memory, donations may be made to the ALS Association at www.als.org.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.irwinchapel.com.
