Laura Pacioni, 100, of Taylorville, passed away at 10:24 a.m. on Friday, December 20, 2019 at Taylorville Care Center.  She was born on February 22, 1919 in Tovey, the daughter of Antonio and Argia (Vitali) Verardi.  She married Nello J. Pacioni on July 29, 1941 in St. Charles, Missouri.  He preceded her in death on May 22, 1982.  Laura and Nello ran Nello’s Tavern in Langleyville for many years and she also worked at the Sangamon Company for 20 years and the Illinois Secretary of State for 7 years.  Laura was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the Catholic Daughters of America, and the Auxiliary at the VFW and St. Vincent Memorial Hospital.  She enjoyed dancing and playing Bingo.

She is survived by her sister-in-law: Antonia Verardi of Taylorville; nieces: Sharon Allen (Terry) of Taylorville, Judith Griffith of Florida, and Mary Duckworth (Mike) of Tovey; nephew: Ron Verardi (Margaret) of Taylorville; great nieces and nephews: Anthony Verardi, Nickolas Verardi, Gina Torricelli, Regina Swanson, Lori Ackerman, Suzi Gay, Aaron Allen, and Kristina Doan; and several great-great nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; infant daughter: Carolyn Pacioni; brother: Andrew Verardi; and sister: Rena Lenzini.

A funeral mass for Laura will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, December 26, 2019 at St. Mary’s Church in Taylorville with Fr. Tony Swamey officiating.  Burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from noon until 1 p.m.  in the church on Thursday.  Memorials may be left to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or Catholic Daughters of America.  McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.  Memories of Laura, or condolences to the family, may be shared online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.