Date of Birth
Jan 29,1927
Date of Death
Nov 21,2004
Age 77, of DeKalb, formerly of Maple Park, IL, passed away peacefully at the DeKalb County Rehabilitation Center, Sunday, Nov.21, 2004. Released at last from over fifty years of living with Multiple Sclerosis, she rejoices now in her Savior’s promise and dances joyfully with the angels. BORN: Phyllis was born January 29, 1927 in Oshkosh, WI, the daughter of Catherine and Rex Lovell.EARLY YEARS :When Phyllis was still a baby, her family moved to Waukeshaw, WI where they lived until 1943 when they moved to Oak Park, IL. Following graduation from Oak Park / River Forest High School, Phyllis went on to attend Northern Illinois Teacher’s College (NIU).There she met the love of her life, Jack Christensen and they were united in marriage on December 27, 1947. During their marriage they made their home in Batavia, Elburn and Maple Park, IL where their son, Jeffrey, came into their lives in 1953. Ironically, in that same year, Phyllis was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. In 1969, Jack and Phyllis parted but Phyllis continued to make her home in Maple Park for several years and was a long time member of the Grace United Methodist Church. In the late seventies, however, the advance of her MS, forced Phyllis to move to the DeKalb County Rehabilitation Center which would become her home for the next twenty-seven years.There, Phyllis not only made a life, she made a lasting impression among residents and staff alike. Phyllis was not "afflicted" with MS, she was "gifted" in spite of it. Phyllis was blessed with a caring heart, an agile mind and a rare wisdom that made her the trustworthy confidante of many. She was especially fond of the many nursing students whom she met at the Center. Her room was lined with their graduation pictures, side by side with those of her own family. The stories of her caring are countless but accounts of her complaining are virtually nonexistent. Survived:She is survived by her loving son and daughter-in-law: Jeffrey (Laurie) Christensen of Maple ParkAnd their family: Natalie (17), Megan (16), Philip (14).One sister, Arlene Clark of Batavia, ILOne brother, Tom (Kathy) Lovell of Idaho, and a family of friends at the DeKalb County Rehabilitation Center as well as in Maple Park, ILPRECEDED She joins now her parents who preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 23, 2004 from 3-7pm at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL Her funeral service will be held Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2004 at 11:00am at the Grace United Methodist Church, Maple Park, IL Pastor Dan Benson will officiate together with Phyllis’ long time friend, the Rev. Steve Person, pastor of the First Baptist Church of DeKalb.
Interment will follow at Blackberry Cemetery, Elburn