Beverly J. Sanders

Beverly Jean (Glaser) Sanders passed away on March 15, 2023 in OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. She was born on December 21, 1943, in Sublette, Illinois; daughter of Ralph (Bud) and Arlene (Schinzer) Glaser. She grew up on a farm in West Brooklyn, Illinois with her parents and her older brother, Bob. Bev attended elementary school at St. Mary’s School in West Brooklyn and graduated from Mendota High School in 1961. While attending Northern Illinois University, her parents moved to the family farm near Ashton, Illinois. Bev graduated from NIU with a degree in Education in 1965. On June 19, 1965 she married her husband and soul mate, Dale Sanders at St. Mary’s in West Brooklyn. After a 3-year stint as an Army Bride, they returned to Southern Illinois University where she received a Master’s Degree in Education while Dale was completing his studies. Bev’s professional career included teaching both special education and early elementary grades. She taught for nearly 35 years at various schools of which 23 were at St. Rita Catholic School. She was later principal at St. Rita school for 6 years. After “retirement” she worked at the Vineyard Book Store where she created a children’s center, and then did testing and remedial reading at St. Bridget Catholic School. She was very active in the Altar and Rosary Society at St. James Church, was in 2 bridge clubs and 2 book clubs. Bev also remained very connected with some of her high school classmates. As much as she enjoyed all of those endeavors, her first and strongest love was for her family. She and Dale adopted 2 very special children, Scott and Laura when they were infants. They were always the apple of her eye and even more when they blessed her with 3 wonderful grandchildren, which added immeasurable love and joy to her life.

Beverly is survived by her loving husband, Dale; children, Scott (Rachel Pierce) and Laura (Bill Ahern); grandchildren, McLysta, Cooper and Dillon; brother, Bob; sister-in-law and life-long friend, Karole and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. Predeceased by parents, a nephew and several in-laws.

Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00am on Monday, March 27, 2023 at St. Rita Catholic Church, 6254 Valley Knoll Drive, Rockford, IL 61109. Visitation will be held from 9:30 – 11:00am Monday in the church. Memorials may be made to the family to distribute to numerous charities in Beverly’s name. Express condolences and share memories online at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.