BLOOMINGTON - A 91-year-old woman critically injured when a sport utility vehicle crashed into her apartment Sept. 18 died at 11:35 a.m. Monday at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center. | Vera's obit | Photo gallery | Video

A close family friend, Debbie Ashman, said Vera Ely, known as "Granny," had been heavily medicated due to injuries, including a fractured skull and crushed facial bones.

Vera Ely

The ventilator was taken out Thursday and "as soon as it was taken out, she opened her eyes," said Ashman. Six adults and a baby, all family or close friends, were in the room at the time.

"Granny" and her great-great-granddaughter, Nikki Runyon, were especially close. She just moved into the apartment earlier in September with Nikki and Ashman's daughter, Julia, who moved to Chicago the day before the crash.

A neighbor, Nancy Simmons, 52, tried to park the SUV but accidentally went through a parking shelter and into the apartment at 1901 Tracy Drive.

She was charged with driving an uninsured motor vehicle. Ashman said damage to the building was so extensive that repairs continue.

Hager Memorial Home, Dwight, is in charge of arrangements.