Obituaries

Phyllis Mae Sochor, of Wayne, died peacefully at Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago on Sunday September 24, 2023, a result of a Pancreatic Cancer Stage IV diagnosis in February 2023.  She was 80 years old.

Daughter of June Phillip Hartman and Nora Elizabeth Krall Hartman, Phyllis was born in Wheaton, Illinois on November 1, 1942.  She graduated from Wheaton Community High School in 1960 and Southern Illinois University in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in K-9 Education and earned her Masters Degree in Teaching and Learning Disabilities from East Texas State University in 1974.

Phyllis met the love of her life, Gene Sochor, and they married October 12, 1984, creating a family of 5 that consisted of Phyllis’ children, Chris and Kim, and Gene’s daughter Lisl.

Phyllis was a teacher and found it deeply fulfilling.  She taught in Texas and Illinois from 1964-1974, and at Kaneland Elementary School in Elburn, Illinois from 1974-1980.  Then in 1980 she continued her career at St. Charles Community School District #303, where she started as a Special Education Resource Teacher and grew into becoming the Department Chair for Middle School Special Education and she led that department until retirement in 2004.

After retiring, Phyllis continued to fill in when needed in District #303 and became an Adjunct Instructor at Northern Illinois University.  She also enjoyed tutoring, serving on their neighborhood association and was an active member of the Wayne Countryside Garden Club.

Phyllis could often be found reading in their Tree House screened deck, “putzing” as she would say in their gorgeous perennial gardens or crocheting while watching a hockey game with Gene.  Together they loved to travel the world and explore beautiful countries, cities, art fairs and unique shops.  They loved dining at all the new restaurants as well as frequenting their favorites.  Her and Gene’s favorite place to visit locally was the Morton Arboretum, where they were members their entire marriage.  It brought them so much joy and peace.

Phyllis was preceded by in death by her husband, Gene (9/20/23); her parents Phillip and Nora Hartman; her sister Susan; parents-in-law, Leroy and Pearl Kutchins.

Phyllis is survived by her children, Chris (Rychelle), Kim (John) and Lisl; grandchildren, Makayla (Michael), Zachary, Trevor and Kaylee; her twin sister Patsy (John), and many loving family members and friends.

Phyllis and Gene were married for 38 years, their 39^th Anniversary would have been October 12.

Per Phyllis’ wishes, there will be no Service, just a private Celebration of Life with her children followed by a gathering of immediate family.

Contributions to the Morton Arboretum can be made in Phyllis’ name through their Tribute Gifts page: Tribute Gifts, listing her name as “honoree” and select Donation for Honoree.

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