Sydney Ann Fosse

Sydney Ann (Bursell) Fosse, 74, of Cherry Valley, died Monday March 13, 2017 surrounded by her family after a long, determined fight against multiple health issues. Daughter of Gustav Robert and Grace Evelyn Bursell, Sydney was born April 7, 1942 in Rockford, IL. She grew up with 5 siblings, Anita, Loretta, Bob, Berta, and Brian. In her younger years, she enjoyed her paper route, being catcher of her baseball team, roller skating, going to Teen Canteen, taking care of her dog, Buster, and spending time with her lifelong best friend, Jill. She attended Morris Kennedy, where she was a cheerleader and was nominated 8th grade prom queen.

On March 1, 1958, little 4’11” Sydney married lanky 6’5” Frank, and so began a life full of love, laughter, and hard work. Sydney was a homemaker and mother to her daughters Nini and Penny. She dedicated her life to making sure everyone around her felt welcomed and loved. For many years, Sydney had a passion for quilting, sewing, teaching ceramics, cake decorating, gardening, a house full of family, swimming, and sleep overs, among other hobbies. She had a love for Elvis and Johnny Cash and was lucky enough to see both in concert. Sydney also adored Donny and Marie and attended their shows with her daughters and great-neice, Braydyn. In 1971, her and Frank took a road trip out west, where they were met with a snowstorm. It took three days to get out of the state of Wyoming, most of which Sydney spent huddled down in the backseat of the 1972 Pontiac they were driving. They referred to it as “the trip from hell.” Among Sydney’s favorite memories were two trips to Sweden with her sister Anita to visit extended family and explore family history, a trip to New York City with her sisters, brother, and cousins, and a trip to Memphis with her daughters and grandkids to visit Graceland. More recently, she enjoyed learning new things on her ipad and iphone and always stayed up to date on the newest techie gear. She loved getting together with family on holidays, and looked forward to every Sunday when her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids would spend the day at her house, visiting and eating her famous Goulash.

Her family was her life. She was everyones sounding board, confidant, and cheerleader. Always there with an open ear and quiet mouth until advice or comfort was needed. She rarely let bad situations get her down and always looked for the positive in everything and everyone. “Accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative” and “Patience little jackass” were two of her favorite phrases. If Sydney couldn’t physically do something for others, she made up for it by being available with hugs and a lot of love.
She was truly an earthly angel. “A listener, teacher, and miraculous blend of peacemaker, counselor, and best friend.”

Sydney’s family would like to thank Dr. Mary Simmons and Nurse Practitioner Diana Schultz for taking such great care of her and making her comfortable in her last hours.

Sydney is survived by her husband Frank Fosse, daughters Anita (David) Tuula, Penelope Fosse, Grandchildren Lance (Gina) Tuula, Natalie (Thomas) Durtschi, Benjamin (Becca) Tuula, great grandchildren Sydney, Emerson, Grace, Olivia, Jackson, Grayson, Nathan, sister Loretta Robinette, Brother Brian (Jen) Bursell, Brother-in-law Byron Peterson, dear cousin Darlene Glenn, and many beloved neices and nephews.

Sydney was met in Heaven by her parents, Gustav and Grace Evelyn Bursell, In-laws Klabert “Frenchy” and Frances Fosse, sisters Anita Peterson and Berta Hallen, brother Robert Bursell, son-in-law Dale Hjerpe and her best friend, Jill Fox Thoren.

Sydney’s celebration of life will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, March 25, 2017 at Kilbuck Creek Lodge, 6752 N. Kilbuck Creek Road, Monroe Center, IL. Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory assisted the family, express online condolences at: www.fitzgeraldfh.com