Sheila Ilene (Rabinovitz) Van Bockern

Sheila Ilene Van Bockern (née Rabinovitz) of Elgin, Ill., was born April 20, 1943, and passed away peacefully Dec. 28, 2017, surrounded by her loving family.

Beloved wife of the late Hollis Van Bockern; daughter of the late Nathan and Ida Rabinovitz; devoted mother to Rachel (Ben) Zimmerman of Elburn, Ill. and David (Edna) Van Bockern of Erie, Pa.; mother-in-law to Cheri Van Bockern of Stockbridge, Ga.; loving grandmother to Hailey and Nathan Zimmerman, Jared Van Bockern.

Sheila was born and raised in Cleveland where she met and married Hollis. After becoming a mother to her two children, Sheila joined Weight Watchers in 1978. Sheila successfully became a lifetime member of Weight Watchers and worked for the company for 37 years.

Sheila had a unique passion for life. She arose every day before 6 a.m. to exercise and get her daily Starbucks. She was extremely active with various groups and clubs that included holding a position within Welcome Club, weekly walking group, monthly theatre group, two book clubs, as well as numerous other volunteering activities.

After her husband passed in 2011, Sheila relocated to a Del Webb community in Elgin. She embraced the active lifestyle and filled her years with extensive travel and friendships.

Sheila was a devoted and loving mother. She was proud of her family and excited to become a “bubbe” to her grandchildren. Spending time with her family was important to her. She was also known for her fashion sense and feisty sense of humor. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Should friends desire, contributions may be sent to Northwestern Memorial Foundation, 251 E. Huron, Suite 3-200, Chicago IL 60611 or foundation.nm.org/northwestern-memorial-hospital.html.

Visitation and a memorial service were held Jan. 3 at Yurs Funeral Home in Geneva, Ill.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, April 28, 2018 at Linesville Cemetery.