Elsie M. Stoddard

Elsie Mae Stoddard age 97, daughter of the late Eric and Teresa Akerberg, was born August 26, 1923 in Woodstock, IL. Having had the precious time to visit with her family, Elsie passed quietly on January 15, 2021 in the comfort of her daughter Lisa’s home. 

Elsie grew up on a farm on the outskirts of Woodstock along with seven other siblings. She was extremely proud of her 50+ year membership with Greenwood Homemakers. She enjoyed many years of playing pinochle with friends at the Woodstock Firehouse. She was also an avid Rummy player and a fierce Bingo competitor. Elsie sold her Hoy Avenue home and moved to the Fountains in Crystal Lake, IL in June 2017. While there she made many friends. The Fountains CNA’s and foodservice staff were always so kind and engaging. Each and every one of the InHome Personal Services staff are incredible, dedicated human beings and Elsie’s family cannot thank them enough for all their considerate and gentle care.

Elsie married Laurin Stoddard on September 27,1943 and they were happily married for 46 years before Laurin’s death on June 25, 1989. They were a hardworking farm couple until they sold their milk cows and moved to town. Their union blessed them with five children. Her family was her passion, her job, and she was always there to lend a helping hand whenever she was needed. Her long and wonderful life will forever be cherished by her children: Gene (Pegg) Stoddard of Brodhead, WI; Dale (Chona) Stoddard of Wheeling, IL, and Lisa (Alex) Petralia of Island, Lake, IL, and daughter-in-law Jenny Stoddard of Mt Carroll, IL. Elsie is preceded in death by brothers Eric, Walter, William and sister Marion as well as her daughter Carol Hillman (January 15, 2018) and son Roger Stoddard (May 16, 2018), and many other beloved family members and friends. Elsie leaves behind her brother Edwin (Polly) Akerberg, and two sisters, Lucille (Bob) Gavers and Helen Joosten.

Elsie, affectionately known as Gma, was interested in the goings on in the lives of her family. She was engaged and very supportive of each of her 16 grandchildren. She made a point of treating them as if they were the most important person in the room. She reveled in the activities of her 21 great grandchildren and was delighted with her one great, great granddaughter. 

Elsie/Mom/Gma - you are and will always be our Sunshine!

Due to Covid-19 restrictions visitation, funeral and interment will be held on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at Schneider Leucht Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home and will be restricted family only. Funeral Service to be live-streamed - click on the following link: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/61694009.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in memory of Elsie to Main Stay Therapeutic Farm, 6919 Keystone Rd, Richmond, IL 60071

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