I was born and raised north of Chicago in Lake County. Although I now live in Arizona, my roots are planted in southern Illinois along the Ohio River. I grew up hearing stories of my ancestors and visited cemeteries as a common occurrence. I was blessed by knowing my great grandparents, numerous great aunts and uncles, and cousins that number over 100 and still counting. As I research my extensive branches I often have more questions than answers. I enjoy meeting new cousins and get excited when the puzzle pieces start to fall into place and I get a glimpse into the past. My husband shares my passion and once retired we began spending more of our free time traveling to genealogy libraries and walking cemeteries.

It was because of my volunteer work and posting here on Find a grave that a lost cousin found me and now has an extended family.

Growing up not knowing my biological father was a challenge, to my great surprise a few years back, a gentleman contacted me with the amazing words “I think we share the same grandpa” after 50 years I met several members of a family I thought was lost forever...all because I posted here on find a grave.

When I answer a request to take a photo or look for headstones, I often take as many photos of that cemetery as possible and add photos to various genealogy sites online.

If you have any questions, would like to make additions or corrections please feel free to notify me. If I am not a direct descendant I will be happy to transfer to you. Please just ask.

My thanks to Findagrave and all the volunteers, this is a wonderful forum and I'm honored to participate.

I was born and raised north of Chicago in Lake County. Although I now live in Arizona, my roots are planted in southern Illinois along the Ohio River. I grew up hearing stories of my ancestors and visited cemeteries as a common occurrence. I was blessed by knowing my great grandparents, numerous great aunts and uncles, and cousins that number over 100 and still counting. As I research my extensive branches I often have more questions than answers. I enjoy meeting new cousins and get excited when the puzzle pieces start to fall into place and I get a glimpse into the past. My husband shares my passion and once retired we began spending more of our free time traveling to genealogy libraries and walking cemeteries.

It was because of my volunteer work and posting here on Find a grave that a lost cousin found me and now has an extended family.

Growing up not knowing my biological father was a challenge, to my great surprise a few years back, a gentleman contacted me with the amazing words “I think we share the same grandpa” after 50 years I met several members of a family I thought was lost forever...all because I posted here on find a grave.

When I answer a request to take a photo or look for headstones, I often take as many photos of that cemetery as possible and add photos to various genealogy sites online.

If you have any questions, would like to make additions or corrections please feel free to notify me. If I am not a direct descendant I will be happy to transfer to you. Please just ask.

My thanks to Findagrave and all the volunteers, this is a wonderful forum and I'm honored to participate.