Obituary of Veronica F. Illig

  “All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my Angel Mother”

Veronica “Roni” Illig passed peacefully on Friday, July 9, 2021 at Morris View Healthcare Center. She shared 88 years of love and strength with her family. Roni was a devoted Wife, Mother, Grandma and friend. Private services for Roni’s family were held under the direction of the Norman Dean Home For Services, Denville, NJ 07834.  Donations in her memory may be made to the good work of The Wounded Warrior Project by way of www.inmemof.org

Born in Jersey City to the late Thomas & Hattie Olszewski, Veronica was one of three children to bless the family.  After her schooling she met Robert Illig and the rest was history.  They married on a beautiful September day in 1955 and settled in Rockaway to start their family.   Roni was the exceptional Mother to four daughters.  She worked hard to give them a good life and a loving home.  With Bob working long hours as a Newark police officer, many lessons and tasks fell on Roni.  There was never one too big for her!  She was solid as a rock. 

Roni was an artist.  She loved all forms and types but leaned mostly to her oil paintings.  She created gorgeous portraits.  Many of her family and friends are the lucky recipients of such beautiful works of art. 

She was a cook and a skilled baker….not your average cookies for sure!  She made and did everything with love and a little extra butter. Dinners and holidays at Roni’s were fabulous.  Tons of love, laughter and plenty of desserts! 

Outside of her home she loved birdwatching, antiquing and walking in the snow.  The thrill of the hunt and the crisp air were simple pleasures.   She truly enjoyed life and was blessed in many ways. Her greatest joys of course were her grandchildren.  The sun rose and set on the kids and she loved them beyond measure.  Her greatest title certainly was that of “GRANDMA”.

Although we are saddened by her passing, we take comfort in knowing she is united with her beloved Bob and they are in fact well again.

Predeceased by her husband Robert A. Illig (2017) and her siblings Gene Olszewski and Marie Palughi; she leaves beautiful memories to her daughters, Mary Scott, Kathleen (Timothy) Quinn, Kristine Edwards, and Virginia (Peter) Skolsky; her cherished grandchildren, Kyle R. and Katie Lynne Skolsky, Mikayla V. and Samantha S. Quinn, and Thomas J. Edwards; and many dear family and friends.