Wendy Ann Symons

Wendy Ann Symons, 71, of Rockford, passed away holding the hand of the Love of her life after a three year battle with ALS on Thursday, April 23, 2020. Wendy was born March 18, 1949 in Van Nuys, CA to Douglas and Betty (Haugen) Perkins. Wendy grew up in Loves Park and graduated from Harlem High School class of 1967. She was united in marriage on March 8, 1969 to Richard Symons whom she was happily married to for 51 years. They went on to have four incredibly lucky daughters.

Wendy shared her light with the world working at various places like Rogers and Hollands, Page Jewelers and the Home Environment Center to name a few. Everywhere she worked she made long lasting friends that she was thrilled to connect with right up until her death. When she wasn’t working, Wendy was either in her garden or spending time with her daughters and grandchildren. Wendy loved to garden, much of the warmer months were spent outdoors tending to her plants and flowers creating a beautiful garden.

Wendy is survived by her loving husband Richard; four daughters, Andrea (Todd) Castle, Jennifer (Jeremy) Martin, Amanda (Todd) Ehrhardt and Jessica (Roy) Stubbs; sister Laurye Kerr. She will be missed terribly by her 13 grandchildren, Kyle (Jeani) Thompson, Madelyn Castle, Hailee (Eric) Braaten, Morgan Carlson, Ethan, Cambria and Penelope Martin, Sullivan and Cecelia Ehrhardt, Edwynn , Emersyn, Lydia and Everleigh Stubbs. She is preceded in death by her parents, Doug and Betty; brother-in-law, Jim Kerr; cousin, Mike Donze; mother-in-law, Cecelia Aumann.

ALS took so much from Wendy physically but it never touched her spirit. She withstood the storm of this cruel disease with grace, strength and the determination to live her life on her own terms. She may have had ALS but ALS didn’t have her.

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to the ALS Association Greater Chicago Chapter 220 West Huron Street - Suite 4003 - Chicago, IL 60654

Private Family Graveside Services on Monday April 27 in Sunset Memorial Gardens, 8800 N. Alpine Rd, Machesney Park. Celebration of Life Memorial Service to be determined at a later date. To share a condolence www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com