Eleanor T. Vodicka

Eleanor Toffenetti Vodicka 

Our cherished Mother, and Nana, Eleanor Marie (Toffenetti) Vodicka peacefully left this world surrounded by family on February 19, 2026, one week shy of her 103rd birthday. Eleanor, Elly, lived a beautiful and independent life living in her own home. 

Family was the center of Eleanor’s life and she was cherished as the matriarch of four generations. The daughter of Dario and Maria Toffenetti, born in 1923, she grew up in Kenilworth, IL, with her two brothers Eddie and Dario. Throughout her life, she kept up with both her parents Italian families via correspondence and visits. Her elementary years were described as tomboy fun, lots of school friends, and life affirming experiences at her revered Camp We-Ha-Kee in Northern Wisconsin. She enjoyed attending her grade and high school Catholic school reunions until she was the last one left. 

Elly attended St. Mary’s College in South Bend, IN with a major in Music. It is there that she met the love of her life, Albert, shyly spotting each other on the South Shore train ride from Chicago. They officially met by sharing a taxi ride from the train station back to her campus and his at Notre Dame. Eleanor, typically reserved, was always proud that it was she who spoke up first to share that cab. 

Together, they had six children, 14 grandchildren 18 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Elly and Al raised their family in Northbrook, IL and summers at the cabin in Northern Wisconsin. Eleanor relished her role as mother and loved hosting extended family, always with a calm and capable demeaner. Summers up north were legendary times of sharing the natural beauty, enjoying the lake, picnics and card games and caring for all that visited. She was impossible to beat at gin rummy. The family moved to Lake Forest in 1973 and finally to Cedarburg. Wi, where Eleanor has been living in the same home for 23 years. 

Eleanor and Albert spent their winters at their favorite Florida golf club, a tradition that Eleanor continued until she was 102. During those warm, sun-filled escapes, generations of family would visit and enjoy time with Elly/Nana, who would treat her visitors to good times at the club’s pool, fun-filled meals at her favorite restaurants, and shopping in Venice, FL.

Music has been at the center of Eleanor’s life. Her cherished piano, her constant companion was both the center of family life, gathering to sing and dance around it as well as her activity in her alone times. Every birthday and anniversary of her children, she would make a phone call playing the piano with the celebratory song accompanied by her own sweet words of best wishes. 

Eleanor will be best remembered by her family as a solid figure, always someone to be confided in and guided by. She was self-determined and a positive force that touched everyone who knew her. Her fierce love of family and continual plans for fun events and gatherings was the glue that kept her family close. 

Eleanor was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Albert, her cherished parents, Maria and Dario Toffenetti, her brothers, Edward and Dario and her dear grandson, Christopher Koralik and son-in-law James Koralik. Eleanor is survived by her children who will never forget the love she brought to their lives; Albert Vodicka(Catie), Vivian Koralik, Veronica Simon (Dennis), Valerie Collins (David), Cynthia O’Kelley (Michael), and Laura Sroka (Greg); and grandchildren. 

A family celebration of Eleanor’s life is planned.