Elizabeth Ann Fordham

ELIZABETH ANN FORDHAMAge 95 of Elgin, IL, passed away early Monday morning, October, 1, 2007 at the Pine View Care Center where she had celebrated her 95th birthday September 26th. Her last birthday, like all the days of her life, was surrounded by family and filled with love and laughter. BORN / EARLY YEARSElizabeth’s life began in Loughborough, England where she was raised by her grandmother and older sister, following the death of her parents at a young age. As a youth, she worked hard in a hosiery factory and later, during the war, became a conductor on the city buses. Though tragedy challenged her early years, a stoic and spirited Elizabeth never let that memory steal her zest for living. MARRIAGEA town hall dance would introduce her to Richard Ernest Fordham and, on October 8, 1932, they were united in marriage. They made their home in Loroborough, England for the next thirty years until their only daughter, Brenda married and moved to the U.S. in 1957. Elizabeth and Richard followed shortly in 1962 and soon settled in Los Angeles. The two were inseparable and so is the story of their lives. They fell in love with L.A. and with America. Their hard-work ethic helped them succeed and their love of life helped them find and connect with other fellow countrymen through the British Club of Los Angeles. Richard became president of the organization and Elizabeth helped him organize and host many outings and trips throughout the area and around the country. As years passed and grandchildren arrived, their small, two-bedroom home became the summertime haven for all six grandchildren. Good times made good memories for all and Elizabeth and Richard would have stayed in California forever had it not been for the earthquake of 1995. That jolt plus the pleading hearts of their family drew them to the mid-west and they came to make their home near Elgin. Then, a greater jolt came when Richard died unexpectedly just one year later. After sixty-four years of marriage, Elizabeth started over alone. But those who doubted soon learned that Elizabeth was not ready to give up on life. At eighty-five, she returned with her granddaughter for a vacation in England and proved again that she could make friends and enjoy life anywhere, any time. Returning home she continued to live independently until 2007 when she moved to the Pine View Care Center, St. Charles. Though her body may have needed a little help, her joy for life continued to bring smiles and laughter to staff and fellow residents alike. Elizabeth Ann Fordham lived life fully, loved completely and left those around her forever smiling at the very mention of her name. SURVIVORS She is survived by: One daughter, Brenda (Ronald) Lonsdale of Elgin, ILSix grandchildren and ten great grandchildren: Tony Lonsdale of Los Angeles, CA;Susi (Larry) Zagorski of Burlington, IL and their children: Eric and Danny;Mini (Randy) Woodard of Lily Lake, IL and their children: ryan and Aly;Tina Lonsdale of Elgin, her son Joseph (and his father, the late Federico Echeverria (2007)Julie (Eric) Sloth of Algonquin, IL and their children: Connor and Trevor;Lisa (Keith) Kampert of Huntley, IL and their children: Courtney, Wes and Kelli;One sister-in-law in Beatrice Newton and several nieces and nephews, all of England. PRECEDED She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband and one grand-son-in-law, Federico Echeverria MEMORIAL A memorial has been established in Elizabeth’s name to benefit Diabetic Research and other favorite charities. Memorials checks may be made to the Elizabeth Fordham Memorial and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes and memories may also be forwarded to the family at the same address or through her obituary at www.conleycare.com. For information call 1-800-8-CONLEY (630) 365-6414.

Following cremation, a Memorial Visitation and Service will be held, Saturday, October 6, 2007 at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn. Visitation will be held from 9:30am to 10:30am with memorial services to begin at 11am.

Cremation Committal services will follow immediately at Plato Center Cemetery.