Alice Christine Saudargas

Alice Christine (Nesheim) Saudargas, 99, was born May 18 1916 in Fairdale, Illinois, to Norwegian immigrants. She graduated with a degree from Northern Illinois University. While there, she met her husband, Alex Saudargas. She earned her master's degree in education from Northern Illinois University. Alice worked as a special education teacher and eventually became a principal of Elmwood Center, a school for emotionally disturbed children. Alice retired from the school district in 1986 at the age of 70. She led committees to help make the Rockford schools more inclusive of all children and to maintain the legacy of West High School. At the age of 84, Alice was appointed to the Rockford School Board and served on the board for 11 years. Alice spent more than 70 years educating students in Rockford. For her lifelong contributions and commitment to Rockford, education, and children, Alice was honored by the city of Rockford in 2011 with an “Alice Saudargas Day”.

Alice is survived by 9 children, 16 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren as well as the
hundreds of students she supported and mentored throughout her long career. She was
predeceased by a daughter. A special thanks goes to Alice’s caregivers who not only took care
of Alice’s physical needs but also became her friend and friends to the entire family. These
exceptional people are Mrs. Phyllis Smith, and for the past three years Mrs. Linda Robinson and
her husband Spencer.

A celebration of life is planned for Wednesday, June 10, 2015, at 2:00 pm, with visitation at 1:00pm. Services will be conducted at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 3910 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, IL.