Phyllis L. Elsbury

Phyllis Margaret Elsbury (née Lahey), 86, of Wadsworth, IL, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2025, surrounded by loving family members who ushered her to eternal peace.

Born on October 15, 1938, to James and Margaret Lahey, Phyllis grew up in Millburn, IL, and went on to build a life marked by love, service, and community. She lived in Wadsworth for 53 years, where she dedicated herself to public service and was a proud and tireless Village Clerk from 1975 to 1999. Earlier in her career, she worked in the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office before joining Ob-Gyne Associates of Lake Forest, where she spent 30 years earning the admiration of both colleagues and patients alike.

Phyllis was a faithful member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Wadsworth and a cornerstone of her family. She was married to her beloved husband, John “Jack” Elsbury, for 59 wonderful years. Together, they raised three children: Ed (Karyn) Elsbury, Andy Elsbury, and Gina (Glenn) Sturt. Phyllis found immense joy in being a grandmother to Brittany (Brian) James, Mia Elsbury, Abby (Blake) Williams, Cannon Elsbury, Ally Elsbury, Shannon Sturt, and Brooke Sturt. In addition to her children and grandchildren, she is survived by her devoted brother, Richard Lahey; her caring sister-in-law, Betty Canfield; and numerous cherished nieces and nephews.

She was known for her candor, strength, humor, exaggerations, and unwavering love of her family. Whether visiting her own parents and siblings, watching her children and grandchildren participate in activities, playing cards with friends, bowling, baking desserts, or enjoying a good pizza and Cubs game on TV, Phyllis embraced life with joy and authenticity. She had a soft spot for Manhattans, Merits, and Carol Burnett reruns.

Phyllis leaves behind a legacy of strength, dedication, and love through faith and family. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

A visitation will take place from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 15000 W. Wadsworth Rd., Wadsworth, IL, with a funeral Mass immediately following and final prayers and burial at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville.

For those who wish to make a contribution in Phyllis’s memory, the family requests that donations be made to an animal rescue organization of your choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Gurnee Salata Funeral Home.