La Conda Elizabeth (Cox) Allerdice

LaGiaConda Elizabeth Allerdice

February 3, 1920 – February 12, 2018

An Extraordinary Woman, Who Lived Her Life With Love

An artist, a veteran, a gardener, a nurse, a mother (grand, great, and great-great), and a beloved friend, LaGiaConda Elizabeth Allerdice bid adieu to this world on February 12, 2018. At 98 years old, LaConda, as she was called, enjoyed what she considered a full life. Born in the small Indiana town of Putnamville, on the chilly morning of February 3, 1920, LaConda brought warmth and light to the world and all who knew her. Her parents named her after the Italian beauty who posed for the Mona Lisa. The unique name meant “pleasant, delightful, and happy,” and it couldn’t have been more well suited for the woman who wore it. Admired for her bravery, intelligence, independence, and good humor, LaConda said that the key to living a long life was to smile often and to drink a glass of red wine every night. Not one to wax poetic, LaConda always told it how it was.

She graduated from Greencastle High School in May of 1938, at the start of the second World War and in the throes of the Great Depression.  In 1945, at the close of the war, LaConda served in the Army as a nurse at Camp Atterbury. On February 5, 1946, she married her high school sweetheart and fellow veteran, Charles Weaver. LaConda and Charles enjoyed their twenties with friends and wine, and eventually had five children. She served Methodist Hospital for more than 30 years, earning the title of Head Nurse, and was a founding nurse for the hospital’s spinal cord unit. Even after retirement, she served for several years at the Jennings Community Hospital. LaConda was a devoted nurse for 40 years, caring for patients, loved ones, and anyone who needed a friend.

After her children were grown, she lived out her life in a house that kissed a lake in North Vernon, Indiana. Her second husband, Bill Allerdice, practiced carpentry, smoked cigars, and played jazz records as LaConda created award-winning oil paintings, tended her garden, gave time to her grandchildren, and cared for her dogs, cats, and wandering strays. Humble, yet a bit stubborn, her dry humor and quick wit complemented her generous heart and a loving disposition. LaConda was always an extraordinary woman. She will live on through her family’s memories, her art, her stories, and the endless love of all who knew her.

LaGiaConda was born to Raymond Nicholas Cox and Beulah E Baker. She gave the world five children: Nikki Weaver, Kenni Coulter, Randy Weaver, Sudi Conda Weaver, and Scott Weaver. She also gave the world 11 grandchildren: Gia Keen, Rene Keen, Shannon Keen, Cody Elizabeth White, Alicia Sweet, Shauna Krone, Lacey Tyler, Summer Weaver, Zane Weaver, Aaron Weaver, and Amirah Elizabeth Weaver. She also gave the world 9 great-grandchildren: Mercedes Villasana, John Balsam, Harley Rhoads, Wesley Angel, Gabriele Fuller, Noah Sweet, Maya Elizabeth Krone, Marissa Krone, Benjamin Weaver. She also gave the world 2 great-great grandchildren:  Adelaine Angel and Ariah Angel.

Memorial Services will be held on February 24, 2018, at 11.am at Dove-Sharp & Rudicel Funeral Home in North Vernon, Indiana. Closing Prayers will be at 1 pm with military honors to follow at the funeral home. All friends and family are welcome to remember and celebrate LaGiaConda Elizabeth Allerdice.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Our Hospice of Jennings County or your favorite animal shelter.

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