Elizabeth Stearns lived in Villa Park for over 80 years in the Sears home where she was born in 1922 to her parents, Emil and Erna Schlehahn, and which was built by her father, Emil, a German immigrant. She and her two brothers, Harold and William, both of whom predeceased her, lived alongside the Prairie Path and attended York High School. She worked for School District 45 as a secretary for 28 years until her retirement. She was a member, Sunday School teacher and volunteer at Trinity Lutheran Church and was passionate about Prairie Path preservation.
Elizabeth died at age 101 on September 23, 2023, in Arlington Heights, Illinois. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Edward Gitelson, along with her niece, Lisa Schroeder, and nephew, Harold Schlehahn, and great-niece and nephew, Thomas Schroeder and Bethany Schroeder.
Her life celebration will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter in Deerfield, IL.
Condolences can be given at www.glueckertFH.com or (847) 253-0168.
