Obit -- Dr. Jeremi 'Jeri' Villano

Dr. Jeremi "Jeri" Villano, 64, passed away on Saturday, May 8, 2010, at her home in Sundance, Wyo.

She was born March 21, 1946, in Framingham, Mass., to Louis and Margaret (Livingston) Villano. She grew up on Grand Island and attended LaSalle High School in Niagara Falls, graduating ninth in her class of 950.

In June 1968, Villano received her bachelor's degree from Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville. In May 1972, she completed her graduate education at SUNY - Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn. Her postgraduate training in family practice residency was also completed at SUNY - Downstate and at Kings Co. Hospital (Brooklyn) in June 1975.

Villano's first position was as staff physician at Lake Hospital in Yellowstone National Park. She then worked in Salt Lake City, Utah, as a full-time locum tenens physician for Health Systems Research Institute. Villano arrived in Sundance in February 1979 to begin her career with Crook County Medical Services District. She was still employed there at the time of her death.

Villano wed Ernie Reinhold in 1978. They had two beloved children, Ethan and Laura, before divorcing.

Her passions included people and animals. Villano loved horses, dogs, reading, wine, good food and better conversation. She showed great compassion in dealing with her patients.

A member of the Wyoming Academy of Family Physicians, Villano also belonged to the American Academy of Family Physicians, the Wyoming Medical Society, and Physicians for Social Responsibility.

Her father, Louis, and brothers Loren and Perron preceded Jeri in death. She is survived by her two children and by her sister, Nadina. 

Her mother, Margaret, passed away on Aug. 9.

A memorial remembrance for Jeri and Margaret will take place Saturday, Oct. 23, at Trinity United Methodist Church.