Eleanor E. VanAelstBorn: June 5, 1944Died: September 25, 2016 Eleanor Epperly VanAelst "Ellie", passed away on September 25, 2016 in the comfort of her home at Heritage Woods of DeKalb surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her daughters, Kristin (Tim) Forster of Sycamore, IL and Rachel (Tom) Goetz of Park Ridge, IL; her sister, Barbara Been; and niece, Stacey Been of St. Charles, IL; and her grandchildren, Nathaniel, Nicole, Conner, Hannah and Jack.Ellie was a war baby born on June 5, 1944, in Springfield, IL to parents John and Mary (Bridge) Epperly. She lived most of her life in beautiful Geneva, IL and was a talented artist. Ellie loved to cook, garden, golf, read, talk politics, watch classic movies, antique shop and in the last year of her life became an avid Wii bowler. She was a die-hard Cubs fan and always said she would die the year the Cubs would win the World Series (Go Cubs!) Ellie was a strong-willed individual and fought a heroic fight for many years against heart and kidney failure and lung cancer. She adored her pets and her grandchildren and liked being referred to as the "matriarch of the family". She will be reunited with her grand-parents and parents in the family grave plot across from Abraham Lincoln's tomb in the Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield. A memorial service will be held at a later date, and cremation will be at the Finch Crematory. Memorials may be made to the family to be established at a later date. To send an online condolence visit. www.finchfuneralhomedekalb.com. Arrangements were entrusted to: Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL, 60115 (815) 758-3841.