Bernice E. "Bea" Whitgrove

Bernice (Bea) E. Whitgrove, 86, of Rockford passed away Saturday, June 6, 2015 at Wesley Willows. Born December 16, 1928, in Chicago, Bernice was the daughter of Henry and Jennie (Blank) Wobse. Bea was a graduate of Evanston Hospital School of Nursing and for over 50 years, was blessed to have a very meaningful and fulfilling nursing career. She was a strong patient advocate and had an especially tender spot in her heart for the elderly. Throughout her career, Bea interacted with all age groups from all walks of life, working at the Rockford Clinic, St. Anthony Hospital, Singer Mental Health Center and Alma Nelson Nursing Home. Prior to her retirement, Bea worked for over 25 years as a surveyor for the Illinois Department of Public Aide. Bea treated all patients with kindness, dignity and respect and enriched the lives of the patients and families she cared for.
While her children were growing up, Bea was actively involved in scouting, serving as troop leader for both Boy and Girl Scouts. Bea was a longtime member of Spring Creek Congregational Church where she assisted teaching Sunday school and served as past President of the United Women’s Fellowship. Bea’s deep faith always helped to sustain her and provided her with great comfort and support in times of need. Bea also volunteered at the Blind Center and often reached out to those she knew who were homebound, helping them with grocery shopping or stopping by for a visit.
Most recently, Bea resided at Wesley Willows, where she participated in a number of activities including Green Bag distribution, Health Care Advisory Committee, and Resident Council. She was especially proud to have founded the Retired Nurses Group, organizing and arranging for monthly speakers. Bea had a generous spirit and had a way of making new residents feel welcomed.
Bea leaves behind her children, Karen (Dale) Coppin of East Dorset, Vermont and Jeff (Lisa) Whitgrove of Minnetonka, Minnesota as well as grandchildren, Christopher Coppin of Texas, Kyle Whitgrove of Pennsylvania, Karla and Jenny Coppin of California; all who brought much pride and joy into her life and that she loved dearly and unconditionally. Also survived by Sister-in-law, Velma Burke, and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents and sister, Evelyn Anderson.
A memorial service and celebration of Bea’s life will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, July 18th at Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road Rockford, Il. 61114. In addition, there will be a service of remembrance for the residents and staff of Wesley Willows at 3:30pm on Saturday, July 18th in the chapel at Wesley Willows. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Rock River Valley Food Pantry, 421 S. Rockton Avenue, Rockford, Illinois 61102-2229. Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, assisted the family. To express online condolences, please visit: www.fitzgeraldfh.com.