Shelia Rae Laviolette Van Leeuwen, 79, Rockford, died in her sleep at home on Friday, October 16, 2026 following a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was born March 22, 1947 in Antigo, WI, daughter of Leo Laviolette, Jr. and Eunice Brandow Laviolette. She graduated from Boylan Central Catholic High School in 1965. She married the love of her life Johannes (John) Van Leeuwen in Rockford, IL on October 25, 1969 and together they had 3 children, Steve, Heather and Danielle. Shelia spent 15 years employed by the Rockford School District and previously had been a dental assistant for Dr. Dan Nielsen. Her main role in life was taking care of and being supportive to her family. She loved her grandchildren beyond measure and attended all of their activities and sporting events as she always did for her children. Shelia was like everyone’s extra mom and was always ready to feed anyone and everyone that came to her home. She was a wonderful cook and a master baker, especially being famous for her cakes and Christmas cookies. Shelia was always a supportive, solid rock that many people strived to be like. Following their retirement, John and Shelia enjoyed their winters in Florida and their summers in Wisconsin together.

Survivors include her husband, John; son, Steve (Stacy); daughters, Heather (Marc) Schmidt and Danielle (Shaun) Centeno; grandchildren, Madalyne (Tyson), Payton (Alex) Hannah (Matthew) Alex, Samantha Raeann and Kylee; great-grandsons, Ezra and Barrett; siblings , Dr. Sharon Laviolette, Sherry (George) Pike, Sharla Anderson (Bob Dixon) and Leo (Anne) Laviolette III; Also survived by her step-siblings, Tom, Dana, Tim, Connie, Gerry and Richard; in-laws, Louise (Jim) Stout; extended family, Linda (Chuck) Sauberlich; numerous nieces and nephews and many “adopted” loving family members. Predeceased by her parents , Leo and Eunice Laviolette, step-mother, Dollie Laviolette, in-laws, Johannes (Jeanne) Van Leeuwen and step-brother, Jay.

Shelia’s family would like to extend their gratitude to the caring staff of OSF Hospice, Amy and Melissa, their chaplains, Darren and Ed, and to her private caregivers, especially Stacey, Kimberly, Stephanie and Carol.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 23, 2026 in the Cathedral of St. Peter. There will be a visitation on Thursday, October 22, 2026 from 5-8 pm in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel and from 9 am until time of the funeral mass on Friday at the church. Burial in Sunset Memorials Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to OSF Hospice, 9951 Rock Cut Crossing, Loves Park, IL 61111. Send condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com. As Shelia always said, “If I’m not here when you get home, I’m gone.”