Veronica Ann Vrtis

Veronica Ann Vrtis
July 19, 1964 - May 15, 2023 

Veronica Ann Vrtis, 58, passed away on Monday, May 15, 2023, at her home in Chicago, Illinois after a valiant eight month battle against stage four pancreatic cancer. At her side were her loving sister, Susan Younger, and her devoted pet cat, George. 

Veronica was born on July 19, 1964, in Fort Campbell, Kentucky to Joan F. Vrtis (née Kubik) of Michigan City and the late Charles E. Vrtis. Aside from her sister Susan (Raymond) of Sierra Vista, Arizona, she is also survived by her brothers Charles M. of Portland, Maine and Vincent of Michigan City, niece Caroline of Portland, Oregon, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins. 

Veronica graduated from Rogers High School in Michigan City. She then earned a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Indiana University. Her career was spent in the travel industry, primarily working with American Express Travel on their account with the American Hospital Association.  

One thing that was consistent in Veronica’s life was her joy from animals of any kind, although she had a particularly deep love of cats. She enjoyed many years of paw rubs and purring from her cats Hubert and Daisy, both of whom came from shelters. A few years after their deaths, Veronica welcomed George, another shelter cat, into her home. Veronica also spent several years doing volunteer work and raising funds for PAWS Chicago. 

In her later years, Veronica developed another deep love, this being for running. Come rain or shine, Veronica would get in a daily run. She was very proud of completing several half-marathons. 

Veronica lived life on her own terms, and it was a given she would provide laughs at any family event. She will be deeply missed.  

The family wants to give special thanks to Mylese Tucker and Laura Kleinschmidt Pinegar, long-time friends of Veronica since their junior high school days together, who made special trips to Chicago to spend time with her. In addition, we give thanks to hospice nurse Grant Goode who assisted Susan in providing compassionate care to Veronica as well as the Cremation Society of Illinois. 

A memorial service followed by internment at St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Michigan City will occur at a later date.  Memorials may be made to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation.  

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