Susan Lantz

Sue Lantz, 69 Susan Tacey Chamberlain was born Nov. 23, 1940 in Seville, Florida. Her family, parents, Mordecai (Bud) and Dorothy and older sister, Jean moved shortly after to Cornell, IL. She graduated from Belvidere High School in 1958 and attended the University of Illinois, Urbana. While singing in the U of I Concert Choir, she met her husband David and they shared a life-long love of music together. She finished her education studies receiving her Bachelors degree from Rockford College and Masters Degree from St. Xavier University. She taught in District 205, retiring from Cherry Valley school in 2005. A hallmark of her teaching style was her love and respect for every student. She was proud to be among those teachers who included the Holocaust in their teaching. An accomplished seamstress and artist, she designed and costumed several West High School musicals. Her emerging love of theater found her both in the costume shop and on stage at Starlight Theater, two notable roles being Mrs. Peru in "Music Man" and Prof. Higgins mother in "My Fair Lady" . She loved having her childrens families close by-daughter Amy, son-in-law Curtis, grandchildren Nicholas, Erica and Shayne-son Erich, daughter-in-law Cindy, grandsons Alex and Benjamin. She especially enjoyed summer with the grandchildren which always ended with them helping set up her schoolroom. She was an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Church taking leadership roles on the Worship committee and the R.E. Council. She sang with the Unicantors and helped make costumes and performed in five Gilbert and Sullivan operettas the choir staged in the 1970s. Three years ago she stopped smoking which triggered a wonderful renewal in her life which included Weight Watchers, CLR at Rock Valley College, and gardening at home and on Huffman Boulevard. She leaves behind wonderful memories, the last being a laughter filled birthday party in her hospital room on Nov. 23 rd . The next day the advanced cancer caused her to slip into a semiconscious state until she finally slipped away at midnight Friday. There will be a memorial service at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009 at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 4848 Turner St. Memorials in her name can be made to the Unitarian Universalist Church and to NESNA (North End Square Neighborhood Association) marked "Boulevard Garden" . The family was assisted by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Condolences and memories can be shared at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.