Ilona M. Sparks, 72, of Niagara Falls, NY passed away on February 16, 2020 surrounded by her family at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, NY.  Born in Windorf, Germany, she was the daughter of the late Richard and Anna (Girster) Lannen.

Ilona came to the United States at the age of 7 with her family.  She attended college in Williamsport, PA, earning her certification as a Registered Nurse.  She was employed for many years as a nurse for Dr. Edward Gillick at his office in Niagara Falls.  She also worked in the same capacity at the former Deveaux Manor in Niagara Falls.

Ilona was a member of Colonial Heights Methodist Church in Niagara Falls.  She enjoyed going to Tim Hortons with her friends, shopping, going to the casino, and in her younger years, camping and traveling with her family.  Above all, she cherished time spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as her beloved dogs, Hannah and Dixie.

Illona is survived by her daughters, Ann Marie (Matthew) Ruggiero, Pamela Connolly, Amy Lerch (Ray Dashineau) and Tracy Bonaccorso; her grandchildren, Blake Henderson, Darien Bonaccorso, Eric Connolly and Payton Connolly; her step grandchildren, Jonathan (Tiffany) Morris, David Morris, Daniel Koslicki, and Cody Guiliani; great grandchildren Jackson and Mackenzie Chester, step greatgrandchildren Ariena and Jospehine Morris; her siblings, David (Tracy) Lannen, John Lannen, Nancy Lannen, and Dale Lannen, as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, several relatives in Germany, and many lifetime friends.  She was predeceased by her first husband, Kenneth L. Lerch on July 6, 1983, her second husband, Paul D. Sparks, on December 19, 2014, as well as her brothers, Kenny and Richard Lannen.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 19 from 3 – 7 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14304, concluding with funeral services at 7 PM.   Private interment will be held at the convenience of the family.  If desired, memorial offerings in Ilona's memory may be made to Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, 665 Elm Street, Buffalo, NY 14203.  Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.