Ivy Ohlin

Ivy Ohlin (nee Pehl), 100 years young, passed away March 23, 2015 at Journeycare Hospice in Barrington, IL. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Norman, son James and daughter-in-law Julie. Ivy was born July 18, 1914 and raised in Chicago after graduating from North Park Academy in 1932, she embarked on a career as an executive secretary. She married Norman Ohlin in 1936, eventually taking a leave of absence from the business world to rear their four children.

In 1972, with an eye to retirement, Ivyand Norman moved to the Elgin senior community, Willow Lakes Estates. Widowed not long thereafter, Ivy remained at Willow Lakes and upon retiring as executive secretary from Sealy Mattress Company, she started a travel club for Willow Lakes residents.

Organizing and coordinating travel club trips became her avocation, providing her many years of world travel. When not traveling, Ivy was an ardent Bridge players, square dancer and golfer. hosting family dinners on all major holidays, as well as many birthday celebrations, was a dominant part of her life. She loved to have the entire family gather at her house.

Ivy's last home was her beloved apartment at The Greens of Elgin. For over nine years, she enjoyed friendships, social activities, nightly dinner table conversations and after dinner Scrabble games. "Enjoy Life!" was her motto.

Ivy was the loving mother of Karen Michaelis (Walter Schwartz), Kurt (Jane) and Marcia Lindt; grandmother of 10, great grandmother of 11 (Soon to be 12) and great-great grandmother of two.

A celebration of Ivy's life is being planned for July. Memorial donations may be made to Journeycare Hospice in Barrington, IL, or a charity of one's choice.