Elizabeth Ann Biel, 55

Elizabeth Ann Biel, 55, of Crystal Lake, died Sunday, July 22, 2012. 

She was born Jan. 1, 1957, to the late Richard and Jeanne (nee O'Connor) Biel of Crystal Lake. 

She graduated from Crystal Lake Community High School, class of 1975. She graduated from the University of Illinois in 1979 and earned a master's degree from Northeastern Illinois University.

Elizabeth influenced the lives of countless young people as an English teacher at Proviso East High School in Maywood and as a dean and assistant principal at Glenbard West High School and Glenbard North High School in DuPage County. 

Stricken with Alzheimer's disease at a young age, she accepted the diagnosis with grace and dignity. She worked to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Association and Without Warning, a group dedicated to support people with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. She spoke at the national convention of the Alzheimer's Foundation to present a different perspective of Alzheimer's. 
Elizabeth delighted in gardening and reading books.

While her disease caused many difficulties for her, she greeted each day joyously.Her kindness and gentle spirit touched her many friends and family.

She is survived by her beloved siblings, Daniel Biel of Tucson, Ariz., Barbara Lange (Gayle) of Brocton, Ill., Nancy Stewart (David) of Tucson, Julie Claussen (Marc) of Crystal Lake, James (Laurie) Biel of Island Lake and Mary (Robert) Hayn of Casa Grande, Ariz. She cherished her nieces and nephews, Elizabeth (Kris) Howard, Adam Stewart, Cassidy (Paul) Middaugh, Camille Claussen, Anna Claussen and Riley Biel; and her darling grandnieces, Logan Howard and Payton Howard.

Visitation will be Monday, Aug. 13, from 9:30 a.m. until the Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 451 W. Terra Cotta Ave. (Route 176), Crystal Lake. More information is available from

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in her honor.