Vivienne M. Lever

Vivienne M. Lever, Rochelle, 98, left her earthly life April 21, 2010, at St. Anthony’s Medical Center, Rockford, in the company of family members, after a brief illness. Vivienne was born December 15, 1911 in Bluford, Il., the daughter of Charles and Lillie B. Atkinson. She was preceded in death by husbands Ray Henry, Michael Chunko, Jr., and Harry Lever, Jr.. She was also preceded by a brother, Earl Atkinson, and a sister, Nora Bruce, of Mt. Vernon and children, Richard Lee Henry, Garret Henry, and Morris Glenn Henry. Vivienne was a homemaker and worked at Rochelle Steam Laundry in the 1950s and was a cook for several years at the Klondike Restaurant west of Rochelle in the late 1960s and early 1970s. She was known for holiday dinners that included entrees and desserts made from scratch. A special treat for the Christmas were homemade donuts that turned into a family event at preparation time, as well as desserts prepared for the Shabbona School District faculty Christmas teas. An experienced gardener, she canned and preserved fresh vegetables annually. A lifelong hobby was crocheting and embroidery and Vivienne presented family and friends with many handiwork projects. An enthused reader, she at one time had read every book in Flagg Township Library concerning American Indian history. She lived a rich, full, independent life up to two weeks of her passing, and was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Rochelle for over 50 years. Vivienne is survived by her children Charles Marshall (Joanne) Henry, and Michael (Linda) Chunko, of Rochelle, grandchildren Marsha (Dave) White, of Rochelle Rhonda (Mike) Christiansen, of Sterling, Cheryl Lynn Malpass and Lloyd Glenn Henry, of California; Melissa (Van) Burgess of Fruitland, Mo., and Kevin Michael Chunko, Champaign, Il., as well as great grand children D.J. and Cullen White, Connor and Bethany Christiansen, Sara and Andrew Malpass of California, and Kyleigh Burgess. Other survivors include a sister, Mary Soldener, Dedham, Mass., as well as many nieces and nephews. Vivienne will be remembered and missed by all. Graveside services will be held April 24, at 10:00 A.M. in Lawridge Cemetery, Rochelle, with Rev. Dr. James Tilley, officiating. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Rochelle.