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Frances B. Sugden

Frances B. Sugden, Woodstock, formerly of Wilmette and Winnetka, died Thursday, March 26, 2015, in Woodstock.  

She was born Ida Frances Bourland June 8, 1923, to Frederick Bailey and Rachel (Mitchel) Bourland in Peoria.  

During her high school years, the family moved to Wilmette.  She attended New Trier High School, followed by Northwestern University, where she earned her undergraduate degree in speech science.  She followed with master’s degrees in speech science and deaf education, as well as a Fellowship for a master’s degree in audiology.

In 1946, she began teaching special education at Evanston High School, where she met Henry H. Sugden II.  They were married June 12, 1948, in Peoria.  

After the birth of her three children, she resumed teaching special education with an emphasis on deaf education for District 65, Evanston, at Lincolnwood School and Park School.  In addition to teaching, she became head of deaf education for District 65 until her retirement in 1986.

While a resident of the North Shore, she was an active member of the First Congregational Church, Wilmette.  Following her retirement, she moved to Woodstock, where she was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church.

She served as a member and president of the school board for Joseph Sears Elementary School, Kenilworth.

Survivors include a son, Henry (Mary) Sugden, Woodstock; two daughters, Sally (Gordon) Jesse, Gilbert, Ariz., and Ann (Gary) Glade, St. Charles; seven grandchildren, Aaron (Jacqui) Jesse, Katheryn (Dan) Sandberg, Ryan Jesse, Henry Sugden IV, Daniel Glade, Elizabeth Sugden and Mary Frances Sugden;  a great-granddaughter, Katelyn Jesse; two sisters-in-law, Ruth and Dorothy Sugden, Mukwonago, Wis.; a brother- and sister-in-law, David and Mary Sugden, Mukwonago; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Sept. 29, 1972; her parents; a brother, Frederick M. Bourland; and a sister, Elizabeth Neuhoff.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at the First Presbyterian Church, 2018 N. Route 47, Woodstock.

Memorials can be made to Misericordia, 6300 N. Ride Ave., Chicago IL 60660; or Over The Rainbow Association, 2040 Brown Ave., Evanston IL 60201.

Arrangements were made by Schneider-Leucht-Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home.

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