Obituary of K. Roberta Corneglio

K. Roberta Corneglio K. Roberta (Keest) Corneglio, a much-loved longtime schoolteacher at South Wilmington Grade School, died December 7, 2016, at Heritage Manor in Dwight, IL. Roberta was born July 15, 1939, in Middletown, IL, the oldest of three daughters of John H. Keest Jr. and Mildred (Newnam) Keest. She grew up in Middletown, graduated from Illinois State University in 1961 and married Richard C. Corneglio in 1963. They settled in Richard's hometown of South Wilmington, IL where they raised their son, Richard C. Corneglio Jr., who was born in 1963. Roberta taught for 44 years, including 40 years teaching English and Social Studies to grades 6 - 8 at South Wilmington Grade School. She taught nearly three generations in that time and was forever known around town as "Mrs. Corneglio," even after she retired in 2006--and no matter how old her former students might be. She loved children's literature and enjoyed sharing her favorite books with her students and with other children in her life. She also enjoyed biographies and mystery novels as well as needlework, which many of her friends and family have treasured pieces of her handiwork. Roberta was preceded in death by her husband, parents and sister, Marilyn (Keest) Sedrel. In addition to her son, who lives in Farmer City, IL, she is survived by a sister, Kathleen Keest of Des Moines, Iowa. She will also be remembered as a beloved aunt. As it was Roberta's wish, cremation rites have been accorded and a memorial service is being planned for after the first of the year. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name can be made to the South Wilmington Volunteer Fire Department or the United Methodist Church of South Wilmington. For information (815) 942-5040 or visit her memorial tribute at www.fredcdames.com.