Phyllis Horvath

PHYLLIS HORVATH SEPTEMBER 1928 - MAY 2011 ROCKFORD - Phyllis Horvath - a beloved mother, dear friend and inspiring teacher - died peacefully Monday, May 2, 2011, after a healthy, beautiful life in spite of an 11-year struggle with cancer. She was 82. Born in Chicago, she married Eugene Horvath in 1950. They spent most of their married life in Rockford, where they raised six children. Her love multiplied throughout four generations of family. She is survived by her six children, Carol, David, Stephen, Susan, Amy and John, and their spouses; 16 grandchildren and their spouses; eight great-grandchildren; her dear sister, June and her family; plus many friends and special loved ones. A multi-colored tapestry, this family grounded her life that was made meaningful by those friends with whom she walked, talked, traveled, read books, discussed politics, shared food, shared ideas, shared happiness and sadness. Her strongest legacy is perhaps her love of learning. After graduating summa cum laude from Wright Junior College in 1948 and working in Chicago for several years, she focused her energy on her family and helped inspire them into many successful and varied careers. She returned to college in the 1970s, received a bachelor of science from Rockford College in 1978 (also summa cum laude) and a masters in education from Northern Illinois University in 1982. Throughout her life and career, she helped instill a joy of books, stories and curiosity for learning in hundreds of children. Working in the Rockford School District for more than 20 years, she found special joy in the 4th grade gifted program and in science education. Both Phyllis and her husband, the well-known Rockford sculptor, were actively engaged in many facets of the Rockford community. In 1995 after his death (www.rrstar.com/carousel/x863096626/Remember-When-Rockford-sculptor-died-15-years-ago-today) she found further friendship and satisfaction in life through her involvement in The Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockford. After her retirement at the age of 70, she continued to teach English to adults and immigrants new to the country. She also became an even more passionate reader, a formidable bridge player and an active member of the League of Women Voters. She would like to be remembered as one of President Barack Obama's first and most ardent supporters. As a granddaughter of German and English immigrants, she believed that he spoke for the melting pot of America. She also wanted to give special thanks to Dr Kent Hoskins, her oncologist and his beautiful, intelligent team of professionals. Memorial service at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 7, at Unitarian Universalist Church, 4848 Turner St., Rockford, IL 61107, with the Rev. Dr. Matthew Johnson-Doyle officiating. In lieu of flowers, Phyllis asked that donations be made in her memory to either OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center Foundation (a registered charity, osfsaintanthony.org), or the Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockford. Arrangements by Olson Funeral & Cremation Services Ltd, Fred C. Olson Chapel, 1001 Second Ave., olsonfh.com.