BEVERLY THURNAU

Beverly Jean Thurnau, age 75, of Maple Park, formerly of Burlington, passed away peacefully, Friday, May 3, 2024. 

She was born August 22,1948, in Elgin, IL, to proud parents, Robert and Lydia Percy. 

Beverly grew up on a farm that bore her last name in Burlington and attended local schools. She graduated from Burlington Central High School with the class of 1966, where she smiled down every hallway, cheered at every game as a cheerleader and was crowned homecoming queen. She was the all American sweetheart of the school who while short in stature, her bubbly and quick witted personality made up for in size. 

Bev was blessed with four daughters who lit up her life and gave it meaning at every turn. Her greatest joy was being a mother, a job she excelled at. Her kind heart, patient composure, and wise words of wisdom made her one of the best. To know her was to love her. Her smile and dimple could light up a room, charming even the loathed in the group. She was often a trusted friend who gave advise without judgement, kind encouragement was freely passed and a sense of empathy was felt in every conversation. 

Bev’s first job started at the Playskool factory in Elgin where she put together giraffe pull along scooters. Later, she worked at Stan Olsen Oil before venturing out on her own, opening a lovely antique store, The Olive Branch, in Sycamore. It was the store that showcased her brilliant decorating ideas for primitive antiques and collectibles. Unfortunately she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and the store became hard to manage at which time she chose to close. The DeKalb County Courthouse became the next stop where she worked in the child support division before her retirement.

Bev was a proud member of the Ladies Aid South Burlington Auxiliary where kind encouragement was freely passed. The ladies enjoyed community dinners and spending time with farming friends who would gather together to enjoy each other’s company, shared stories and celebrated country living. She also was an active member of the Methodist Church, serving in Clovis NM, Burlington and Sycamore, IL.

Bev was a marching member of Marilyn’s Majorette’s, something she passed on to her daughters in later years. Every parade and competition in the country was attended with hours and hours of driving, sewing uniforms and helping the children practice their baton twirling. As a younger woman, she boogied across the dance floor to Elvis at the Blue Moon in Elgin dancing the night away. But her biggest dream was becoming a Mother. 

Once becoming a mom, Bev raised her children in different parts of the world, introducing them to international flavors and customs before returning to the family farm on Percy Road. In later years, she was her daughter‘s soccer coach, and although she didn’t have experience, she had a lot of passion and dedication and always made the sure the oranges were cut perfect for snacks at half time. 

Once a month, her closest friends would gather together to connect, and more importantly laugh into the midnight hours, making unforgettable memories. Her hands kept busy over the years by sewing clothes, deftly detailed many kinds of embroidery, and more. Bev loved primitive antiques found at shows across the country, especially when she could find them a new place to shine in her heart and home. She loved to spend time in the garden as long as it didn’t interfere with her nightly Wheel of Fortune and dinner preparation. 

She was extremely close to her sisters who supported each other through life‘s ups and downs. She was a best friend to both and will be deeply missed. Her grandchildren were her sweet spot and the love she had for each of them was untouched. 

Dinners, holidays, and celebrations with family would always lead to lots of silly laughter, participating in hare-brained ideas from her daughters and loud family singing that echoed thru the walls. Her personality colored the landscape of her life, a life that was as unique as it was unforgettable. 

She now leaves her three daughters; Jennifer (Keith) Crobbe, Jacqueline “Jackie” (Kevin) Anderson, and Jessica (Kurt) Pfund, 6 grandchildren.; Ben (Maylissa) Crobbe, Brody Pfund, Harper Pfund, Sofia Anderson, Wyatt Anderson, and Ellie Anderson, 2 siblings; Diane (Terry) Parkhouse and Cathy Finn. She also leaves behind a family of dear friends who she shared her life with. 

Bev is now reunited with her daughter, Amy Sue Thurnau, who passed in infancy; her parents, Robert and Lydia Percy, her brothers, Robert “Bobby” and Ronny Percy, one brother in law, Jerry Finn and one nephew, Barry Totty who preceded her in death. 

Private family services have already been held. An open house memorial gathering for all her family and friends to attend will be held Thursday July 18th, from 3:00PM-7:00PM at Blumen Gardens, 403 Edward Street, Sycamore, IL. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of your choice in her memory. Memories and tributes may be left on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com where you can find her full life story. A very special thank you to Apostolic Highland Oaks who cared so well for Bev during her last years