Shirley Sobol

Shirley Anne Sobol (née Dombey) peacefully passed away on July 15, 2026, in Mokena, Illinois. She courageously and confidently ended dialysis treatments on her own terms, her life well lived and complete.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman N. Sobol; her parents, William L. Dombey and Eileen I. Dombey/Kozack (née Flatley).

She is survived by three children: daughter Jeanne (Cindy) Sobol, daughter Nancy (Roger) Van Vlerah, and son Scott (Theresa) Sobol; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Shirley had three beautiful grandchildren: Kristen (Joe) Zelek, Vicki (Ryan) Nemecek, and Matthew (Katie) Sobol. Shirley was blessed with six precious great-grandchildren (Celine, Cameron, Vanessa, Vivian, Marie, and Nolan).

Shirley, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, was born on September 22, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois. Shirley grew up in a home shaped by strong values, faith, family traditions, and a sense of community. These traits guided her throughout her life and were instilled in her own children.

Shirley was confident, intelligent, and resilient. She graduated from Kelly High School in Chicago, Illinois, in 1953. Shirley married her high school sweetheart after his return from service in the U.S. Army on December 15, 1956. They built a family through love, faith, diligence, and an incredible sense of humor.

Shirley and her family were longtime residents of Hometown, Illinois. A regular volunteer in her community, Shirley ran for Alderman, served as a room mother to her elementary school-aged children, taught Bible School at Hometown Christian Church, and was a den mother for her son's Cub Scout pack. She attended every baseball and softball game for each of her children, even if she could only see a couple of innings before going to the next child's game. She was even voted the Queen of Hometown in 1964!

Shirley had many lifelong friends and readily made new ones. She belonged to many clubs where she treasured these relationships. Shirley loved a good joke, laughed easily and often, and absolutely loved a party! Thoughtful, compassionate, and quick-witted, she drew people to her. Throughout her life, she "collected" people, growing her family with "adopted" children and grandchildren (Jeanine, Alex, Bernie, Cindy, & Conni). Shirley loved her family and friends, cherishing any opportunity to spend time with them.

Shirley worked at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills, Illinois, for 33 years. While she served in several capacities, most of her years at MVCC were spent as the secretary to the Dean of Guidance and Counseling. She had many fond memories of the students, her coworkers, and the counselors. Everyone adored Shirley and her candy dish! Shirley was awarded the Robert E. Turner Service Award in 1995 for her loyal and selfless service to MVCC.

While her family is her legacy, art was her lifelong passion. Shirley was a longtime member of the Lemont, Illinois, Art Guild and was an accomplished artist and painter. She loved drawing and painting animals. She made her own Christmas cards featuring one of her drawings each year. There wasn't an art or craft she didn't try—baking, crocheting afghans, dollmaking, flower arranging, holiday décor, producing her own Christmas cards, and making her children's Halloween costumes.

Her life was a blessing, her love a gift, her memory a treasure. We will miss her so very much! Many thanks to those who were able to come visit with her during the last few weeks.

The family sends its heartfelt gratitude to the nursing staff at Clarendale of Mokena and the nursing and clergy staff of Heartland Hospice for their love, compassion, and kindness during their time spent with Shirley.

The family invites friends and loved ones to a celebration of Shirley's life at Palos Gaidas Funeral Home, 11028 Southwest Highway, Palos Hills, IL 60465, on Monday, August 10, 2026, with memorial visitation from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. 

Family and friends are to meet directly at Chapel Hill Gardens West Cemetery, 17 W 201 E Roosevelt Road, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181, on August 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. for the final committal service.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Shirley's name to a charity of your choice.