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Bobette Fossum Obituary
Born: Nov. 12, 1923
Died: June 26, 2015
Bobette Anne Cristy Fossum, has passed the mortal bonds of this life peacefully and with no fear. Bobbie died June 26, 2015, at age 91 due to lingering complications from a stroke.
She was born to Kenneth and Clara Cristy on Nov. 12, 1923, in Woodstock, IL, at the same hospital where she would later deliver her 11 children. Bobbie married Gordon Fossum in her parents' home in 1946.
She is survived by 9 children, Susan Thornton of North Bend, OR, Cristy Fossum of Columbia, SC, Betsy Glessner of Kearns, UT, Candy (Tom) Spasojevich of McHenry, IL, Priscilla (Curt Wiley) Fossum of Chicago, IL, Andy (Vivian) Fossum of Genoa City, WI, Marty (Kelly Duffy) Fossum of Palo Alto, CA, Lori Harvey of Santa Rosa, CA, and Jenny (Chris) Kendall of Palatine, IL. She has 26 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren; and is also survived by 2 brothers, Bill (Doris) Cristy and Jerry (Mary Lou) Cristy.
She is predeceased by 2 daughters, Robin Weber and Pauline Fossum; a great-granddaughter, Lily Walden; former husband, Gordon; her parents, and 3 brothers, John, Kenneth and Donald.
Bobbie lived in the Wonder Lake/Ringwood/McHenry area all her life. She attended McHenry High School and Illinois Wesleyan University, where she studied music. When her youngest child started first grade, Bobbie went back to school and earned her undergraduate degree from Northern Illinois University. When she was 50, she received her master's degree. One of her favorite jobs was working at MCHS. She loved that time and made many friends with both faculty and students. She worked for several local agencies as a social worker. In 1985, when she was 62, she served in the Peace Corps in the Philippines for two years.
She is a member of the Methodist church and held many positions of service and teaching. She was the choir director for many years and also participated in the Stephen Ministry Program. Bobbie stayed active with volunteer work in her later years. She lived most of her last five years at Heritage Woods Assisted Living, which she thought was too fancy for her!
We would like to express our gratitude to Heritage Woods and Alden Terrace, where she spent her last three months, for the care that was given, and also to Journey Care Hospice for the special things they were able to do for her and the family.
Bobbie lived a good, full life, leaving many life lessons and examples for us. She enjoyed and mastered many things, among them music, sewing, knitting, reading,jigsaw puzzles, and cooking in large quantities. Her favorite pastime was watching the Cubs do well - or not! She has touched many lives for good.
As a final act of goodness, she has donated her body for scientific research, a celebration of life to honor her will be held Aug. 8, at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in McHenry.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bobbie's favorite charity, Heifer International www.heiferinternational.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bobette Fossum
Rose Adams
August 21, 2015
Mrs. Fossum was one of those remarkable women whom you meet as a child and then carry their warmth and wisdom with you through adulthood. She was my "salvation" when a teenager and a trusted confidante as a young adult. Just last week, I came across a few letters that she had sent to me in the '70s. My prayers to all the family.
Rose Adams
MCHS '70
Little Rock, AR
Mary Carpenter Hoffman
August 18, 2015
I don't what made me think of "Mrs. Fossum" today, but I googled her name and learned that she recently passed away. I have fond memories of being at the Fossum home on Barnard Rd. in Ringwood and hanging out with Lori and marveling at her mother's spunk. Bobette always laughed at my fear of a old photograph hanging on the wall that CREEPED ME OUT. Thinking of all of you. What a legacy she left!
Linda Billikas
August 7, 2015
As the memorial takes place tomorrow my thoughts and prayers will be with all the Fossum and Cristy families. Your mom/sister/grandmother/great grandmother was an awesome woman who touched so many lives in Ringwood as we were growing up. She taught so many of us piano lessons and led us in the church choir, but even taught us more by the quiet, patient way she lived. She was always knitting or doing puzzles and keeping her hands busy while she listened to you as if you were the only person in the room, when there were always many people in the room. She will be greatly missed, but what a blessing that most of her children will be there tomorrow to remember her with all our love. You are all in my prayers.
Linda (Low) Billikas. Boston, MA
Donna (Low) Crocfer
August 6, 2015
My heart goes out to all members of the Fossum and Cristy families. I have wonderful memories growing up with Bobbi and her children. Bobbi was my piano teacher for about two years and our church choir leader. She was a strong woman active in the church and youth activities. I will always remember her smile. My thoughts and prayers will be with you on August 8, 2015.
To the families:
Thank You for sharing your Mom, Sister and friend with me.
How you can show support
Mary Bodner
August 3, 2015
My condolences to the Fossum and Cristy families. I cherish the times we spent together having lunch at the McHenry Dam Park..Those were special times catching up on each others lives. Also our travels visiting all of Abraham Lincoln's landmarks many years ago. Bobby was an avid reader of Lincoln and the Civil War.
She will hold a special place in my heart.
Beverly Martin
August 3, 2015
I will miss her so much,we became great friends through the Stephen Miinistry program, a thoughtful caring person who always had a smile for everyone. I now live in Oregon and am so thankful that I was able to spend time with her when I was back in May.
My sympathy to her family.
Beverly Martin
Linda (Lyn) Hosier (Larson)
August 3, 2015
I have fond memories of the Fossum (and Cristy) families. We had some fun times at Ringwood Methodist when I was young. I am so sorry for your loss, but what a legacy she leaves in all those that are family members through the different generations. Prayers to the family during this difficult time.
August 3, 2015
We are sorry to hear of the passing of Bobette, but grateful for her service to our nation with the Peace Corps in the Philippines.
Our Condolences,
The National Peace Corps Association
Mike Weber
August 2, 2015
I will always remember her with fondness from my decades of marriage to her daughter, Robin. Godspeed and rest in Peace.
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