Elizabeth "Liz" Lucille Speer

Elizabeth “Liz” Lucille Speer, of Sterling, Illinois, passed away May 20, 2018 in Lake Zurich, Illinois. She was born September 10, 1933 in Biggsville, Illinois, the daughter of the late Robert Andrew and Mildred Elizabeth (nee Whiteman) Glenn.

Liz graduated from Monmouth College in 1955 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. She played flute and piano and met the love of her life, Gordon Eugene Speer, singing in the Monmouth College Choir. They were married September 3, 1955 and lived in Sterling for 60 years before moving to Lake Zurich.

Liz was the Organist for First Presbyterian Church, Sterling until her retirement. An active member of the church, she also served as Worship Music Director, Bell Choir Director, preschool teacher and on many committees, bible study groups and prayer chains.   In addition to her church work, Liz was an elementary school music teacher in the Sterling Unit 5 school district.

A talented pianist and singer, Liz was a private piano teacher, frequently requested accompanist and member of Sweet Adelines International. She was the Founder and Director of the Sinnissippi Sweet Adelines Chorus and a member of several choruses and quartets during her lifetime.  Liz was the tenor of “The Lyrics” quartet which was named International Quartet Champion by Sweet Adelines, Inc. in 1961.

Mostly, Liz loved being a devoted wife, mom, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Liz is survived by her loving husband, Gordon; her beloved sister, Mildred Anderson; her loving daughters, Susan (Mark) Cunningham; Shari (Jeffrey Stirling) Speer and Sara (the late Keith) Zawila; her beloved grandchildren, Krysta (Orlando) Mendoza, Allyson Cunningham and Kevin Zawila; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Madilynn and Markus Mendoza.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 14, 2018 at 1:00pm at First Presbyterian Church, 410 2nd Ave, Sterling, IL 61081. Fellowship time to follow. A Graveside Service will be held at a later date in Biggsville, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Sterling, IL www.firstpresbyteriansterling.org/giving.php or Sweet Adelines International, www.sweetadelines.com/give.