1945
Heather
2025
Heather Genrich
January 2, 1945 — September 24, 2025
Heather Robin Genrich, 80, of Rockford, IL, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, in Rockford, IL.
Born on January 2, 1945, in Chicago, IL, Heather was the daughter of Harold and Helen (Fairbairn) Neild. On September 10, 1966, she married Robert Genrich in Evanston, IL, beginning a devoted partnership that recently celebrated 59 years.
Heather earned her master’s in education and dedicated her career to teaching art in Rockford Public School District 205. Fondly known by her students as “Mrs. G,” she inspired countless young people through her creativity, kindness, and passion for the arts. In 2002, she was honored with the Those Who Excel Teacher of the Year award and went on to be named one of the top 15 teachers in Illinois, a reflection of her exceptional impact as an educator.
A devoted member of Third Presbyterian Church, Heather served faithfully as elder, deacon, and a member of the women’s association. Beyond her church and classroom, she lived life to the fullest – earning the Master Muskie award, snowmobiling, gardening, fishing, and most of all, cherishing time with her family and friends.
Heather is survived by her loving husband, Robert; her children, Brad (Kimberly Newton) Genrich of Greenville, SC, and Amy (Jason) Cohan of Vernon Hills, IL; her beloved twin granddaughters, Jordan and Olivia Cohan; her twin brother, Peter Neild of Sun Lakes, AZ; her sister, Wendy (Jack) Godding of Eagle River, WI; brother-in-law, Jerry (Cindy) Genrich of Chillicothe, IL; niece, Stephanie; nephews, Jeff, Greg, and Brian; and dear friends, Denny and Pam Harms. She was preceded in death by her parents; parents-in-law, Walter and Faith Genrich; granddaughter, Emma Genrich Cohan; and her best friend, Kim Harms.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Anam Care Memory Unit for their exceptional love and care.
A service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Delehanty Funeral Home, 401 River Lane, Loves Park, IL, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. until the service. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Rockford, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to two causes dear to Heather’s heart – supporting children and her church: Rock House Kids , 1325 7th Street, Rockford, IL 61104 or Third Presbyterian Church , 1221 Custer Avenue, Rockford, IL 61103.
Born on January 2, 1945, in Chicago, IL, Heather was the daughter of Harold and Helen (Fairbairn) Neild. On September 10, 1966, she married Robert Genrich in Evanston, IL, beginning a devoted partnership that recently celebrated 59 years.
Heather earned her master’s in education and dedicated her career to teaching art in Rockford Public School District 205. Fondly known by her students as “Mrs. G,” she inspired countless young people through her creativity, kindness, and passion for the arts. In 2002, she was honored with the Those Who Excel Teacher of the Year award and went on to be named one of the top 15 teachers in Illinois, a reflection of her exceptional impact as an educator.
A devoted member of Third Presbyterian Church, Heather served faithfully as elder, deacon, and a member of the women’s association. Beyond her church and classroom, she lived life to the fullest – earning the Master Muskie award, snowmobiling, gardening, fishing, and most of all, cherishing time with her family and friends.
Heather is survived by her loving husband, Robert; her children, Brad (Kimberly Newton) Genrich of Greenville, SC, and Amy (Jason) Cohan of Vernon Hills, IL; her beloved twin granddaughters, Jordan and Olivia Cohan; her twin brother, Peter Neild of Sun Lakes, AZ; her sister, Wendy (Jack) Godding of Eagle River, WI; brother-in-law, Jerry (Cindy) Genrich of Chillicothe, IL; niece, Stephanie; nephews, Jeff, Greg, and Brian; and dear friends, Denny and Pam Harms. She was preceded in death by her parents; parents-in-law, Walter and Faith Genrich; granddaughter, Emma Genrich Cohan; and her best friend, Kim Harms.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Anam Care Memory Unit for their exceptional love and care.
A service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Delehanty Funeral Home, 401 River Lane, Loves Park, IL, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. until the service. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Rockford, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to two causes dear to Heather’s heart – supporting children and her church: Rock House Kids , 1325 7th Street, Rockford, IL 61104 or Third Presbyterian Church , 1221 Custer Avenue, Rockford, IL 61103.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Heather Genrich, please visit our flower store.
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