Elva Schroeder

Barrington, Illinois,A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, June 5 at 2 P.M. at the Community Church of Barrington, 407 S. Grove Ave., Barrington, IL 60010 for Elva Jean Schroeder, a lifelong resident of Barrington. Elva Jean was born in Barrington, Illinois on August 4, 1917, the only child of Myrtle (nee Plagge) Cannon and Walter J. Cannon, both of Barrington. Elva Jean ("Jean" to her friends and family) grew up in Barrington and graduated from Barrington High School in 1935. After completing training as a beautician following high school, Jean worked briefly before marrying Donald C. Schroeder, also a life-long resident of Barrington and prominent local real estate broker, on June 10 1937. Jean?s family was more important to her than anything else in her life. She was very interested in the lives of her two granddaughters and her five great-grandsons, attending Little-League games up until the summer before her death. She kept in contact with everyone who was related to her and Don, even though the connection was distant. She enjoyed visiting out-of-town family members and also hosting them when they visited Barrington. Her sons, Sandy and Jay, and other family members played vital roles in her life, especially after Don?s death in 1991, to enable her to live independently in her home until her death at age 92. Although she had no formal education beyond high school, Jean developed a deep appreciation for cultural things, constantly educating herself though travel, reading and exposure to music and the arts. She loved music, both popular and classical, and she was a good dancer. She loved art and was a member of the Art Institute of Chicago. Jean regularly attended Elgin Symphony concerts for many years, as well as musical theater productions at the Marriott Lincolnshire Theater. Jean was active in many local clubs and benevolent organizations, including the Barrington Women?s Club, Barrington Infant Welfare, the Garden Club of Barrington, and Questors. During her younger years she was an avid participant in a local play-reading group. In addition to her appreciation of the arts, she enjoyed collecting antiques and gardening. She was extremely proud of her home, where much of the interior design resulted from expertise she developed over the years. Jean loved to entertain, and over the years she hosted many wonderful family gatherings, as well as parties for friends and Don?s business contacts. Jean had a strong faith in God. During her early years she attended Salem United Methodist Church (then Salem EUB), followed by the Community Church of Barrington, since 1951. She was active in many church groups, circles, and activities, and for many years she was the PADS coordinator for Community Church. Jean was constantly giving of herself to help others. She was not afraid to roll up her sleeves and pitch in to make someone?s life easier or more comfortable. She was very much aware of her blessings and wanted to show her appreciation by doing as much as she could for those in need. Jean is survived by her two sons, Sandy (Cheryl) of Deer Park, and Jay (Debbie) of Schaumburg; two granddaughters, Wendy (Alex) Hyde of Phoenix, and Kimberly (Jeff) Kotz of Cary; great-grandsons Alex, Brian, Christopher, Jack and Aidan; and several cousins. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Community Church of Barrington.

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