Nadine (Callahan) Simpson ‘49 died June 15, 2020. She was 91. Nadine received a bachelor’s degree at Illinois Wesleyan and a master’s degree at Syracuse University. She spent the majority of her career in journalism in roles at the United Methodist Information Center in Chicago, United Methodist publications, and later, the Oberlin (Kansas) Herald. Nadine and her husband dutifully served as missionaries in Liberia and Mozambique, where they touched countless lives. She spent her life in service to the United Methodist Church, her community, and her family. She is survived by her husband, four children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Margaret (Finley) Higgins ‘47 died July 8, 2020. She was 94. Margaret studied business and was active in Kappa Kappa Gamma at Illinois Wesleyan where she met and later married Allen Higgins ‘44. Margaret and Allen raised their family in Berwyn, Illinois. They later retired to Markensan, Michigan, where they had been long-time  summer residents of the White Lake area. Margaret was a member and past president of the P.E.O. Chapter AV (in Berwyn) and Chapter EL (in Whitehall, Mich.). She was a member of the White Lake United Methodist Church. Margaret was preceded in death by her husband. She is survived by four children, 13 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews

John Simhauser ‘45 died July 28, 2020, in Pompano Beach, Florida. He was 96.

John served in the U.S. Army during World War II as an infantry rifleman in Germany and France. He studied business and met his first wife, the late Louise Tonigan ‘49, at Illinois Wesleyan. He later earned an MBA at The wharton School of the University of the University of Pennsylvania and a law degree from John Marshall Law School. John began his legal practice in Springfield, Illinois, in 1961 to become a partner in the firm Berry, Leighty, and Simhauser, where he practiced until his retirement. John served on the boards of the Macomb YMCA and public library, and was civically engaged throughout his life. John married his second wife in 1976 in Bushnell, Illinois. In 2000, they retired to Florida. Together, they enjoyed dancing, golfing, and social outings. John was preceded in death by his second wife. He is survived by 3 children, seven grandchildren, and a nephew.

Phyllis (Bender) De Hart ’50 died Jan. 8, 2021. She was 91. Phyllis majored in sociology and earned a bachelor’s degree from Illinois Wesleyan, where she was active in Alpha Gamma Delta. After graduation, she worked at Marshall Field’s flagship store on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. In that role, she interviewed a man for a job in the store’s department; he later became her husband. The couple moved to Champaign, Illinois, so her husband could attend law school, while Phyllis worked for an insurance company. They later moved to Aurora, Illinois, where he established a law practice and Phyllis became involved in Child Welfare Society, Inc., and the American Association of University Women. She was involved in many charitable organizations, including as a volunteer at Copley Hospital, where she served as the jewelry buyer in the gift shop. Phyllis assisted her husband in his legal practice, served as a substitute teacher and was active in bridge clubs. She later served as a jewelry associate at Lord & Taylor and Von Maur stores. Phyllis was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt who loved and embraced life, and brought joy to all those around her. She is survived by her husband, daughter, eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, two sisters, and many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Elinor (Scott) Root ’43 passed away peacefully after a long illness, in Costa Mesa, California. She was 97.

Rook lived in Elmhurst for almost 50 years, where she spent her professional career as a home economics teacher at York Community High School. She is preceded in death by her husband William M. Rook, and is survived by her two children, Karen Rook and Dennis Rook, and many close friends.

You can read the full obituary here.

Colleen (Costigan) Welch ’46 of Manhattan Beach, California, died Feb. 16, 2020. She was 95.

Colleen served during World War II, teaching anti-aircraft gunnery while stationed in Rhode Island. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration at Illinois Wesleyan and later a teaching degree from Loyola Marymount University. She worked at The Pantagraph before moving to California in 1954. There, she taught at both American Martyrs School and Bishop Montgomery High School. Her many hobbies included golf, calligraphy, painting and bridge. She will be remembered for her wit, kindness and friendship to the many who were fortunate to know her. She is survived by three children, eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and a brother.

You can read the full obituary here.

Susan (Hoose) Jefferson ’54 died Dec. 26, 2020. She was 88. Susie earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Illinois Wesleyan, where she was also active in Kappa Kappa Gamma. Susie was a strong supporter of her husband Thomas Jefferson ’52 in the founding of Heritage Enterprises (now known as Heritage Health) in 1961. Susie was passionate about serving the elderly, and she served on Heritage’s board of directors from 2004 until her passing. Susie was strong, generous and smart. She was a member of Second Presbyterian Church and P.E.O. Chapter CL, where she had served as president. She was also an active supporter of the Baby Fold. She loved knitting and needlepointing, and opened a needlepoint shop with Georgette Shupe in 1981. She also enjoyed cooking, crossword puzzles, Bridge Club, tennis, golf and socializing with her many friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, sister Nancy (Hoose) Froelich ’52 and many other family members and friends. She is survived by two sons, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Angela “Ann” (Kreider) Proctor ’57 died Jan. 10, 2021, in Milan, Ohio.

Ann majored in music and was active in Sigma Alpha Iota at Illinois Wesleyan. She was a Rotarian, and was active in the Lakeside Symphony Orchestra, Firelands Symphony Orchestra and Northern Ohio Youth Orchestra Board. She played in many quartets over the years. She loved “gadding” around town, watching sports, needle point, sewing, reading and listening to books on tape. Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren and family. She is survived by three children, six grandchildren, a brother, Stanley Kreider ’53, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

You can read the full obituary here.

Marlin TenBoer ’52 of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, died Nov. 21, 2020.

Marlin, or “Muggs” as he was known by his classmates, majored in music at Illinois Wesleyan and was active in Phi Mu Alpha, the Apollo Quartet, and IWU’s concert and marching bands. He married Sara (Watson) TenBoer ’52 shortly after their IWU graduation. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and was a playing member of the 5th Army Band, stationed at Fort Sheridan, Illinois. He later served as an admissions counselor at Illinois Wesleyan before earning a doctorate at Indiana University. He was a longtime employee of Northern Illinois University, and he and Sara were longtime residents of DeKalb, Illinois. He was known for his wit and humor, and was a friend to all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his wife. He is survived by two children and several grandchildren.