PEORIA HEIGHTS - Blanche (Blanka) Sherman, formerly of Peoria Heights, passed away peacefully Friday, April 15, 2016, surrounded by her loving family. Blanche was born in 1932 in Mrkopalj, Croatia, a small village in the Dinaric Alps. Blanche had an incredible story of coming to America alone on the Queen Mary at age 4, due to her mother's passing and the political situation in Europe. During the war, her village was bombed and her father was interned in a Nazi concentration camp. Her earliest memory of America is the abundance of food, running water and electricity. Coming to America was a blessing and Blanche was grateful to the many people involved and who sacrificed a great deal for her. Blanche married in 1953 and became a U.S. citizen in 1954. Blanche was preceded in death by her mother, Teresa Kanjer Sepic, who died at a very young age; her father, Anton Sepic; and her great-aunt and uncle, who raised her in America. She leaves behind her husband of 63 years, Eugene Sherman of Napa, CA; daughter, Laura Sherman of Peoria Heights, IL; daughter, Julia Sherman; grandsons, Daniel and Dennis Chapai and Gordon Martin of Ridgecrest, CA; granddaughters, Teresa (Michael) Graham and Lauren Sherman of Napa; her many great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Irene Sherman, and her nephews in Peoria; and her cousins in Croatia. Blanche was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother who continually worked and gave of herself to others. She was the greatest friend anyone could ask for. She had an amazing sense of humor. Her laugh was beautiful and contagious. Blanche retired from Bergner's in 1993, having worked as a switchboard operator. At a very young age, she became ingrained in her faith, which would bring her solace and comfort her entire life. Blanche was a devoted Catholic all of her days. She was the living example of unconditional love. The family would like to thank Father Gordon Kalil and Calabria Hospice for their support in her final days. A rosary service was held at Claffey and Rota in Napa on Monday, April 18. Funeral Mass will be held at her home parish, St. Thomas the Apostle in Peoria Heights, IL, on Saturday April 23, at 11 a.m., with visitation at 10 a.m. Memorials may be made to the Ronald McDonald House.