Rosalyn M. “Rosie” Szerlong, 96, of Vernon Hills, Illinois, formerly of Galesburg, died on July 8, 2017.
She was born June 23,1921 in St. Joseph, Missouri, the daughter of James Raymond and Edna (Briggs) Kanan. She married Theodore V. Szerlong on March 5, 1946 after waiting five years for his return from the war in the Pacific.
She graduated from Galesburg High School and Knox College, where she was a member of Phi Mu Fraternity. She has been an active member of the Knox-Lombard Fifty Year Club.
Rosie taught first and second grade in Galesburg District 205 for 26 years at Nellie Swanson, Silas Willard, and Rose Hoben Welch Elementary Schools, retiring in 1981. She found no greater joy than in teaching, particularly reading, and was quite proud of piloting the Alpha One reading program in 1971. She served on the Superintendent’s Cabinet and was listed among the Outstanding Teachers of America. She was a lifetime member of the Congress of Parents and Teachers and served as PTA President at Silas Willard School.
Rosie was past president of the Galesburg Junior Women’s Club, Pilot Club of Galesburg, Sorosis Study Club, and American Association of University Women. She was a charter member of Chapter NK of PEO and a member of the Alpha Rho Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma. She was a charter member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and was a member of Ladies of Mary.
She is survived by her daughter, Becca Kuehl (Dar), of Marquette, Michigan; her son, Tim Szerlong (Pam), of Lake Forest, Illinois; two grandchildren, Amy and Todd Szerlong; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband on January 7, 1994.
Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Additional visitation will be 9 to 10 a.m. Thursday, July 13, 2017 at the chapel. Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 a.m. at Corpus Christi Catholic Church with Rev. William Miller officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to The Knox Fund at Knox College. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
