Elaine H. Breza, age 72, of Staunton, died of breast cancer at 1:20 p.m. Friday, August 23, 2013 at Hitz Memorial Home in Alhambra.

She was born June 20, 1941 in Alton, IL, the daughter of the late Michael A. and Marie (Thomas) Breza. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by the grandparents who raised her: Mike and Anna (Banovic) Breza and John and Anna (Fisher) Thomas. She is survived by two brothers: Michael J. (Ann Marie) Breza of Yellow Springs, OH and Richard Breza of Sullivan, IL; two nephews: Michael (Joanna) Breza, II of London, England and Mark (Jeanna) Breza of Yellow Springs, OH; and four great-nieces and nephews: Miguel, Felix, Frida and Zander.

Elaine attended Holy Trinity Grade School in Mt. Olive, IL and was a 1959 graduate of Mt. Olive Community High School. She then attended Brown Business College in St. Louis and Washington University, receiving an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts. After graduation, she worked in various secretarial positions for 23 years. She was last employed for 20 years as a legal secretary for the law firm Thompson, Mitchell and Coburn in St. Louis, MO. She was a member of the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association and enjoyed Line Dancing. She also enjoyed working in her yard and her daily jogs with her dog, Lucky.

According to her wishes, her remains will be cremated and private services will be held. Memorial contributions may be given to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

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