Ardys Jane Brockway

 Ardys Jane Brockway, 85, of Belvidere, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 26, 2025, at Serenity Hospice & Home, Oregon, Illinois.  Ardys was born in Little Falls, Minnesota, on November 1, 1939, to John Clifford and Milvyne (Tollin) Bell.  Ardys married the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Alvin Brockway on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1959, in Red Wing, Minnesota.  Ardys and Bob were married for 65 years until Bob’s passing in June 2024.  Ardys graduated from Little Falls High School in 1957 and attended the University of Minnesota - Duluth.  Ardys worked a variety of jobs including secretarial work in Minneapolis until settling in Belvidere, Illinois, with Bob.  Besides being a homemaker and raising her two boys, Ardys worked for Belvidere Community School District 100, and for brief time, was a licensed real estate agent in Illinois.  Ardys worked as Office Manager for Family Care Dental Center in Belvidere, for 18 years before retiring.  Ardys was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church (Belvidere), serving as Congregation President for several years, while participating in Circle Groups, Bible Studies, and various other functions within the church. Ardys delighted in many varieties of craft work and was an award-winning gardener, earning the Belvidere Men’s Garden Club “Yard of the Month” on several occasions.  Retirement brought frequent travel with friends to Door County, her Birthday Club events and leaning into being “Grandma AJ” to her grandkids.  Ardys was a proud supporter of Minnesota sports teams, particularly the Vikings and the Golden Gophers, but also enjoyed watching the Chicago Cubs and frequented BHS Bucs football games with friends and neighbors.  Bob and Ardys enjoyed travel and were able to visit most of the States and also abroad to the Caribbean, Mexico and Europe.  Central to Ardys’ life was her family and friends that she loved spending time with.  Ardys is greatly loved, and her life-force, quick wit and keen sense of humor will be missed by her sons, Brian (Amber) Brockway, Scott (Suzanne) Brockway; grandchildren, Terran, Averie, Harrison, and Rachel; sister Mary Elin (John) Vieths, and the many nieces, nephews, family and friends whom she loved dearly and unconditionally.  Ardys is preceded in death by her husband, Bob; and parents Cliff and Milvyne. There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 10:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church 1300 Pearl Street, Belvidere, Illinois.  Visitation is from 10:00 a.m to 11:00 a.m. followed by a memorial service beginning at 11:00 a.m.  A luncheon will be served immediately following the service.  

The Brockway Family would like to extend thanks and gratitude to the dedicated medical professionals at UW Health/Swedish American Hospital and Serenity Home, whose professionalism and compassion were exemplary, and to all our friends and family who have supported us during this difficult time.  In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Zion Lutheran Church General Fund.  Condolences may be shared with the family at www.belviderefh.com.