Sylvia Jane VanderLeest, 75, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 17, 2018, at Ascension All Saints Hospital. She was born in Racine on November 26, 1942, the daughter of the late Richard and Veronica (Nee: Olk) VanderLeest.
Sylvia graduated from William Horlick High School and worked in nursing care at St. Luke’s Hospital, St. Mary’s Hospital, Becker-Shoop Center, retiring from Wheaton Franciscan All Saints. Up until her death she worked at Home Instead. Sylvia enjoyed rummage sales, craft fairs, gardening and anything that involved spending time with family and friends. She was a dear sister and aunt who will be dearly missed.
Surviving are her siblings, Joyce Lundgren, Grace (Jim) Schiebenes, Lorraine Kennedy, Richard (Barbara) VanderLeest, Bernard VanderLeest, Eugene VanderLeest; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews; other relatives and dear friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Jasper “Ray” VanderLeest; sister, Clara Ray; an infant brother, Dickie; brothers-in-law, Charles Lundgren and Gerald “Gary” Kennedy.
Relatives and friends may meet at the funeral home on Saturday, July 28, from 9 a.m. till 11 a.m. At 11 a.m. funeral services will be held with Reverend Laura Fladten officiating followed by interment at Graceland Cemetery. To honor Sylvia please dress casual and wear your favorite team jersey. She would like that.