Helen Shabez

Helen Shabez, 80, of Loves Park, passed away Sunday, March 13, 2016, at home in the loving care of her husband and children. She was born in Chicago, IL, on July 23, 1935, the daughter of Sigvald and Minnie (Schrage) Borch. She was raised in River Grove, IL graduated from Proviso East High School in Maywood, IL. On September 11, 1954 she married Edward Shabez in Chicago. She was a devoted member of St. Mark Lutheran Church. Her family and faith in God were the most important things to her. Her greatest joy was her great-grandchild, Enzo. She was an amazing cook, baker, gardener, and scrabble player. She was a loving wife, cherished mother, and homemaker.
Helen is survived by her husband of 61 years, Edward; her children, Jean (Paul) Humphries of Loves Park, Nan (Jim Ferrell) Shabez of Benton, KY, Dr. Edward Shabez of Las Vegas, NV, Mary Ann (John) Genens of Loves Park, and Cindy (Jim Gallagher) Shabez of Roscoe; her grandchildren, Jessica (Andre) Lizano, Matthew (Lindsay) Humphries, Jacob Genens, Edward Gallagher, and Tina Gallagher; her great-grandson, Enzo Lizano; her brother, Neal (Pat) Borch of New Providence, NJ; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives, including relatives in Denmark. She is predeceased by her parents and infant sister, Ruth.
The family would like to thank all of the Pastors and members of St. Mark Lutheran Church for their prayers and visits. Special thank you to the doctors and staff at Rush Presbyterian Hospital in Chicago, St. Anthony Hospital, and Heartland Hospice, especially Amnesty, Amy and Jeanine, for all of their support and care.
Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 18, 2016 at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 675 N. Mulford Rd, Rockford. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 17, 2016 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel. Interment Belvidere Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Mark Lutheran Church appreciated.