Myrtle E Spielman

Myrtle Spielman passed away June 20th at the Dixon Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center at the age of 105 years and 2 months to the day. She lived through two world wars, weathered the great depression and witnessed all the advancements from the horse and buggy era to the space shuttle. Private funeral services were held on June 25th. Myrtle was born in Illinois in April 1908 and lived nearly her entire life in Dixon. She came from a large family of five sisters and one brother. Her father was a blacksmith back in those days when horses outnumbered cars. Myrtle was the last survivor of her original family. She married Willis Spielman and together they raised two sons and a daughter through the stressful years of the great depression in the 1930's. Myrtle was a great seamstress and used her skill to bring in much needed money for the family. She continued her sewing for many years until her failing eyesight make it impossible. Myrtle's skills as a seamstress included making clothes, braided rugs and draperies. Many years ago she made the large draw curtains at the Dixon Theater. She made braided rugs as large as 9 x 12 feet and custom seat covers for her oldest son's car back in 1953. Sadly Myrtle lost her daughter Audrey and youngest son Ken within eight months of each other over 40 years ago when they were both in their 30's. She lost a grandson over 22 years ago and her husband has been gone for 30 years. She was fortunate to have her son Lyle and wife Francine as her caregivers and problem solvers over those years. With much help from her son and his wife, good friends, relatives and women from Lutheran Services she managed to stay in her apartment until about two years ago when her failing health make it necessary to enter a nursing home. Myrtle lived over 105 years but along with the blessing of long life was enduring the passing of her parents, husband, son, daughter, grandson, sisters, brother and many relatives and friends. Survivors are her son Lyle and wife Francine, 3 grandsons, two great grandsons, three great granddaughters, a great-great granddaughter and many friends and relatives. Myrtle was a strong, independent but unassuming woman and will be greatly missed by all.

Myrtle E Spielman

April 20, 1908 - June 20, 2013