Syna Shouba

NAME/ AGE Syna Westrate Shouba, age 88, of Sugar Grove passed away at her home surrounded by the love of her family Saturday evening, December 3, 2004.BORN She was born March 2, 1916, the daughter of John C. and Frances (Diepenhorst) Westrate in Ellsworth, MI. Date/PlaceCHILDHOOD Syna grew up in Holland, MI and attended local schools. She graduated with the class of 1933 from Holland High School. An excellent student, she continued her education at Michigan State College ( now Michigan State University), where she earned her degree in Home Economics in 1937. Following graduation, she taught home economics and general science at Bangor Hish School, Bangor Michigan, for two years. MARRIED Syna was united in marriage to Jack S. Shouba DVM on June 16, 1939. They made their home in Illinois and Michigan, where Syna returned to teaching high school clases in 1947, after her two sons were born. The family moved to Sugar Grove in 1951, where she taught kindergarten, second grad and special education at Sugar Grove Grade School, earnig her M.S. degree from Northern Illinois University in 1956. Following her divorce in 1962, she continued to make her home in Sugar Grove and taught many generations of families until her retirement in 1982. After her retirement Syna left for Missouri where she would live with her sister and help care for their mother. MEMBERSHIP Syna was a member of the United Methodist Church in Sugar Grove for many years. In 1957, Syna was very involved in helping Sugar Grove become incorporated and then was elected to be the first village clerk for Sugar Grove. Active in the Kaneland Education Association, she served on the negotiating team and as president. She was also a member of a national sorority called P.E.O. for many years. LIFE NOTES Syna grew up in the Depression era and never forgot the value of education and the lessons of "recycle, repair, or do without." She used to say she could teach a class on "how to be poor." Her love of finding a bagain is legendary in the family. Accomplished at sewing, she made clothing for herself and others. She loved to collect recipes and share her favorite dishes with family and friends. She also had a penchant for antiques that she loved to display in her home. Syna was generous with her time and talents, and her kindness, gentle ways and self-deprecating sense of humor brightened many lives over the years.SURVIVORS She now leaves her son Jack W. (Terryl) Shouba of Campton Twp.,One daughter-in-law Geri Shouba of Batavia, Five grandchildren:Vince (Elizabeth) Shouba of Austin, TXDerek (Debbie) Shouba of Chicago, ILNeil Shouba of Washington, D.C. Newell (Aimee Curtright) Washburn of Pittsburg, PAAnd Pilar Washburn of Chicago, IL;And her devoted caregiver Lucy Plachczynska,And a family of friends. PRECEDED She now joins her parents, one son Jamie Shouba, two sisters and a one brother who preceded her in death. MEMORIALS In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name and mailed to P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119.

MEMORIAL SERVICE Friends may call from 1:30-2:30pm with a Memorial Service at 2:30pm at the Sugar Grove Methodist Church, 176 Main St., Sugar Grove, IL. on Sunday, December 12, 2004. Rev. Steve Good, pastor of the church, will officiate.

A private family interment will follow at a later time