05/31/2026
Sheila (Bach) Hooper, 86, passed away on May 22, 2026. She was born in Freeport, IL on September 27, 1939, to Joseph and Alfreda Bach. She attended Aquin High School and graduated in 1957. Sheila attended Rosary College for one year before returning to Freeport. She then attended Rockford College, obtaining an undergraduate degree and Master of Arts in Teaching in 1974.
In 1960, she married Robert Hooper and they had 4 children – Mark, Victoria, Lance, and Patricia.
Sheila served as Freeport Township Supervisor for 39 years, from 1977 until her retirement in 2013. During her tenure, she became widely respected for her dedication to helping vulnerable members of the community and for her innovative leadership in township government. She developed and implemented an early Workfare program in Freeport Township that gained recognition across Illinois for its focus on restoring dignity through meaningful work, job placement, and community support services. Through her work with township leadership organizations and state-level board service, she traveled throughout Illinois sharing the program model and helping train and advised other townships interested in developing similar initiatives. Sheila also served the broader community as a member of the Stephenson County Board for 15 years.
A lifelong and deeply engaged Democrat, Sheila was selected three times as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, twice in support of President Jimmy Carter and once for President Bill Clinton, experiences she treasured and that reflected her enduring commitment to civic engagement.
In addition to her public service, Sheila dedicated many years to education as a teacher at both Aquin Catholic High School and Freeport High School. Her students remembered her fondly not only for her teaching, but for the compassion, encouragement, and belief she instilled in others. She inspired in many a lifelong commitment to social justice, education, equality, public service, and lifelong learning.
Early in her life, Sheila worked for Dr. Felix J. Lownik, a respected otolaryngologist at Freeport Ear, Nose & Throat, who became an important mentor and influence in her life. Dr. Lownik strongly encouraged and supported Sheila’s education and professional growth.
Sheila was also passionate about the water and swimming. Alongside her colleague and dear friend Mary Doden Shear, she helped establish the Freeport Aquatic Swim Team (FAST), creating opportunities and lasting memories for countless young swimmers and families in the community. Her own children grew up at the swimming pool, surrounded by teammates, friendships, and the strong sense of community she helped foster. Sheila was also a certified Water Safety Instructor and dedicated Red Cross volunteer, reflecting her lifelong commitment to service, mentorship, and helping others.
While Sheila dedicated much of her life to serving others professionally and publicly, her greatest joy was always her family and friends. She loved Sunday dinners, always served on paper plates, and family gatherings filled with laughter, storytelling, card games, and friendly competition around the table.
Above all, Sheila hoped that her life’s work made a meaningful difference in the lives of others. She will be remembered for her keen intellect, sharp wit, strong sense of purpose, unwavering compassion, and deep devotion to her family and friends. Whether through public service, teaching, advocacy, or her generosity toward countless charitable and community organizations Sheila believed in lifting others up and leaving every community she touched better than she found it.
Sheila is survived by her children Mark Hooper, Victoria (John Webb) Hooper, and Patricia (Cyril) Friend; her grandchildren Trisha (Eric Slater) Hooper, Nicholas (Lacretia) Webb, Maggie Hooper, Jacob Hooper, Katie Hooper, Kip Friend, Calvin Friend, and Cade Friend; seven Great Grandchildren; and many loved and loving nieces and nephews, and grand nieces and nephews. Her love and devotion extended to her many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren, each of whom she embraced and loved as her very own.
Sheila was preceded in death by her son, Lance Hooper; her parents, Joseph and Alfreda Bach; her siblings Theodore Bach, Nicholas Bach, Michael Bach and Patricia Steele; her brother-in-law Robert Steele; her sister-in-law Kay Bach; her nephew, Dan Steele; and one great-nephew, Preston Steele-Alston.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the compassionate staff at Caledonia Senior Living, where Sheila resided since October 2020. The kindness, compassion, and exceptional care, especially during the final months of her life, brought Sheila comfort, dignity, laughter, and love.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, May 31, 2026 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Walker Mortuary in Freeport, IL. The funeral service will be Monday, June 1, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Freeport. Interment will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Freeport. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church Condolences may be shared at www.walkermortuary.com.
Assisting the family in services Ivins/Moravecek Funeral Home.
