Obituary of Shirley Schroff

Shirley Ann Schroff, of Beach Park, Illinois passed away March 7, 2024 in Beach Park, Illinois. She was born January 20, 1940 in Waukegan, Illinois to parents Arthur and Alma Opal.

In Shirley’s younger years she enjoyed ceramics, family picnics, and BBQ’s. After many years of living in Waukegan and Grayslake, and working at Carson’s, retirement found Shirley moving into the former home of her dear in-laws, Helen and Hank Rodriguez. Getting dirt beneath her fingernails and using lots of elbow grease, she along with her son Scott nurtured the property to create her dream home; which her favorite Cuban son-in-law, German, lovingly dubbed “Casa de Campo”.

Shirley enjoyed many summer days sitting on the deck admiring the beautiful property. She loved to watch the squirrels, chipmunks, and birds- knowing every species found in Northern Illinois. As the cold season approached, with her love of the holiday season, and her many trips to Pasquesi in Lake Bluff, she enjoyed adding to her collection of Christmas decor.

Shirley loved traveling to Las Vegas with Brent, Maui with Brad, and her worldly travels with Scott. Back home she enjoyed spending time with Jodi and her children at theme parks, malls, restaurants, and gardening. She also enjoyed time with her grandson Braeden, feeding the ducks and attending his soccer games. Shirley became the matriarch that held her family together, she loved her great-grandchildren dearly. They affectionately nicknamed her “GiGi”.

Shirley’s life was filled with many joyful moments including her many visits to California, spending time with her sister and best friend Carol. She appreciated the love showered upon her from her surviving sisters. She also enjoyed spending quality time with her favorite hairstylist and niece, Dawn. She even found a new unexpected best friend in her caretaker, Margarita.

All four of Shirley’s children returned the love that she gave them by caring for her in her last years. Although Shirley leaves a void in the lives of her family, she is in a better place watching over them everyday; and the foundation of her family she single-handedly built continues to grow.

“Mom, we will love you dearly for the rest of our lives”

Shirley is survived by her children, Scott Umfress, Brad Umfress, Brent Umfress, and Jodi (Al) Rice; grandchildren, Zachariah Rice, Jeremiah Rice, Ariana Rice, and Braeden Umfress; great-grandchildren, Ashton, Phoenyx, and Lennox; and sisters, Rose Pankratz, Eileen (Don) Lile, Nancy (Mike) Carbis, Charlene Snider, and Carol Bachler.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Alma (Cramer) Opal; brothers, Art Opal, Harry Opal, and Howard Opal; ex-husband, James Umfress; infant son, Duane Umfress; loving best friend and caretaker Margarita Casarrubias; and loving, sweet dogs, Libby and Ginger.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the family for a future fund in honor of Shirley.  A beautiful Celebration of Life gathering will be held in early summer.