Beverly Spada

Beverly Ann Spada (nee Dougherty), 78, of Sugar Grove, Illinois, daughter of the late Harold and Emily Dougherty, was called Home on Saturday, December 12, 2020. 

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Michael A. Spada, her daughters Kimberly Van Horn (Michael) and Deborah Swerdon (James), her sister Lucille Boucek (Frank), her grandsons Matthew and Spencer, and many nieces and nephews. Beverly graduated from Riverside-Brookfield High School in 1960. She and Michael Spada were married in Riverside, Illinois on February 20, 1965. 

She worked as a legal secretary for Anita White of Downers Grove, Illinois, and later for the law firm of R. Edward Bates of Naperville, Illinois as a legal assistant, for over 25 years. 

Beverly was a founding member of the handbell choir at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Downers Grove, Illinois, playing for over 38 years. She also enjoyed singing in the Senior Choir at Immanuel. Beverly never missed a practice or performance during her tenure in both choirs.

Beverly was an accomplished equestrian, having ridden horses since she was a young girl. She was a member of many equestrian organizations, including Appaloosa Horse Club, Fox Valley Saddle Association, and Kendall County Horse Show Association. She competed on a local, regional, and national level with her horse SJ Bug (Teddy).

Bev was also very involved in Fox Valley Therapy Dog Club. She visited many hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and libraries with one of her faithful golden retrievers. She and her dogs spent many hours reading with children, comforting patients, and bringing a smile to so many faces. 

Bev was an avid reader, enjoyed cross stitch, and spending time with her family at their lake home in Northern Wisconsin. 

A memorial service and luncheon will be held on Wednesday, June 16, 2021.

Visitation will begin at 9:00am at
Immanuel Lutheran Church
5211 Carpenter Street
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Memorial Service to follow visitation at 10:00am
Special performance by the Immanuel Handbell Choir
A non-distanced luncheon will be held in the Lower Level starting at 11:30am.

 Please RSVP for the luncheon by Saturday, June 12, by emailing BeverlyMemorialService@gmail.com, or call/text Kim Spada Van Horn at (630) 631-8313.

Donations may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Memorials can be made in her honor to Immanuel Lutheran Church Handbell Choir, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 5211 Carpenter Street, Downers Grove, Illinois, 60515.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.