Virgina R. McIlwain

July 26, 1921 - January 21, 2017

Virginia R. McIlwain, 95, of Rockford died on January 21, 2017 at Wesley Willows. Born on July 26, 1921 in Olney, IL daughter of Ansel and Lillian (Smith) Roberts. Virginia was united in marriage to Keith Dalrymple in October of 1944; he preceded her in death in 1954. In June of 1958, she married William McIlwain; he preceded her in death in 1986. She received her Bachelor's Degree in history from Illinois Wesleyan University. She was an active member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, where she volunteered in many capacities, initiating a thrift shop, the children’s nursery and spearheading the church garden project. She also served as the first female member of the church vestry. Virginia was an early advocate of environmental causes. She was passionate about organic gardening, recycling and sustainability, serving on the Solid Waste Task Force to establish recycling programs for the city of Rockford. Memberships included P.E.O. Sisterhood, Sigma Kappa, Northern Illinois Botanical Society, and many others. Survived by her children, Jim (Jeanne) McIlwain of Rockford, Janet White of Rockton, Morgan (Laura) McIlwain of Scottsdale, AZ, Melinda (Peter) Kaminsky of Brooklyn, NY, Christina (Martin) Andersen of Hoboken, NJ, Brian (Deanna) McIlwain of Mocksville, NC; daughter-in-law, Karen McIlwain of Pittsburgh, PA; grandchildren, Lisa (Barrett) Allman, Scott (Heather) McIlwain, Lauren (Fadi) El-Assad, Jeff McIlwain, Susie McIlwain, Peter (Maria) White, Megan (Jacob) Forsythe, Lucy Kaminsky, Lily Kaminsky, David McIlwain, Adam (Brita) McIlwain; 11 great-grandchildren; siblings, Mary Jane Plummer, Margaret Carson, both of Olney. Preceded in death by her sons, Bruce Dalrymple and John McIlwain; siblings, Ansel Roberts, Jr., Winifred Joiner, Eloise VanCleve, Evelyn Germer. Celebration of Life on January 28, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 412 N. Church St. Rockford. Rev. Andria Skornik will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Shelter Care Ministries or the Emmanuel Church Garden Fund. Grace Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family. Share a memory or condolence at www.graceFH.com.