Community & Lifestyle

I first met Pat Hauversburk of Springfield more than 12 years ago at the Illinois State Archives, where I spent my Saturday mornings researching my own family genealogy. Pat had the patience of a saint, but a funny quirky attitude that might not qualify her for sainthood. She took me under her wing. Over the […]

For years Albert Boyd floated from table to table laughing and joking as he greeted diners at Boyd’s Family Style Restaurant. After the first visit, customers quickly learned that Boyd’s warmth and humor were just as pleasing and satisfying as the smothered pork chops, fried chicken, collard greens and other soul food dishes served at […]

Mary Frances Lavin (affectionately known as Aunt Mary Fran) left an impression on thousands of young people in central Illinois over her 30-year teaching career. For 34 years she was a public school teacher at Fairview, Dubois, Washington and Lanphier schools. Then after retirement she substituted at Ursuline and Sacred Heart. Students who had Mary […]

“He was the whole package” is Dr. Marc Shelton’s description of cardiologist Dr. James Dove, founder of Prairie Cardiovascular Consultants, who died Nov. 7 at age 71, one year to the day he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. “I’ve known one or two academicians who were as smart as Jim,” says Shelton. “But no one […]

When the radio is on, his familiar voice is absent. Ed Ruebling embodied all that was good about WQNA: Play lots of music and speak only as needed. It was an approach that harked back to his experience as a listener during the golden age of rock and roll. He would have been the first […]

On Oct. 29, Dr. Caryl Towsley Moy, 78 years young, died as she lived her life – with dignity, grace, beauty and a profound love for others. The impact Caryl made extends beyond the Springfield community. In many ways, I feel I am writing on behalf of the multitude of people whose lives were touched […]

Fran Richardson was known and loved by many. I personally knew Fran from working with her at the state comptroller’s office. She started there in 2004, and always said how lucky she was to get such a good job at her age. Fran grew up in New Jersey, and met her husband and best friend, […]

I’m not sure if Kim Hepworth could shatter a glass with her voice. To be sure, she had one of the most powerful singing voices I’ve ever heard. But even if she couldn’t pull off the feat with her voice, I have no doubt she could break the glass with the sheer force of her […]

On Thanksgiving evening 2010, Rita and Ryan Lytle cradled their son at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. They read his favorite books and sang his favorite song – “Frere Jacques” – as his life slipped away. Born on Halloween 2006, Joshua, whose journey began in Springfield, was plagued with multiple health issues, including heart and brain […]