Transitions: Jeannine Corlas, 53

Jeannine W. Corlas, 53, of St. Joseph passed away quietly in her home on Friday, April 26, 2019.

Jeannine, better known as Nene, was born Dec. 19, 1965, in Springfield, Illinois, to Richard and Louise (Born) Wilkinson. She grew up outside the city boundaries of Springfield, attending City Day, Ball Chatham and Sacred Heart schools. She went on to attend Lincoln Land Community College and Millikin University, graduating from both colleges.

Nene was employed by the University of Illinois at the time of her passing.

She married Patrick Corlas and married on Jun. 6, 1992, and two years later in 1994 gave birth to their only child, Mitchell.

Nene was a co-owner/operator of the Pink Poodle, a popular gift shop and party venue for 10 years. At the time of her passing she was employed by the University of Illinois.

She was preceded in transition by her father, Richard Wilkinson, in 2017, and grandparents; Fred and Agnes Wilkinson and Albert and Ruchiel Born.

Nene is survived by her husband, Pat; son, Mitch; sister, Melinda Kraus (Joe); nephew, Justin Kraus; stepmother, Nancy Wilkinson; and mother, Louise Wilkinson.

The visitation and burial was held on April 29, 2019, at St. Joseph Church of Christ, 226 E. Sherman St., St. Joseph.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to Carle Cancer Center in Urbana.