Veronica Westrum, aged 73, died peacefully at her home in Chicago after a long battle with cancer. Veronica was born in Sheffield, England, the daughter of Jack and Peggy Beardsley.

As a child, Veronica thoroughly enjoyed the arts and the outdoors of her native Yorkshire. After finishing school, Veronica worked her way around Europe to see the world. During her travels to Norway she met Walter J. Westrum. It was not long before they were married, living in the United States, and raising a family of their own.

In good times and bad, Veronica was always the tie that bound our family together. Though in many ways a private person, Veronica was filled with compassion and always willing to lend a hand, bend an ear, offer advice or simply sit quietly with you until your troubles seemed to trouble you less.

In October 2012, Veronica Westrum was diagnosed with breast cancer. Never one to give up hope, she remained cheerful and optimistic of a brighter future. Despite a valiant fight against the effects of radiation, chemotherapy, hospitalization and pain, Veronica has at last found peace.

Veronica is survived by her four sons: Christian (Julia), Jonathan (Rhonda), Andrew (Helen) and Thomas (Aleksandra). She is also survived by her brother Tom (Maureen) Beardsley of Sheffield, England as well as her granddaughter Maggie, her nephew Robert (Donna) Nilsson, her niece Jane (Andrew) Webster and her great nieces Millie, Miaya and Tilly.

Veronica's life will be celebrated in a small family service at Lighthouse Park in Evanston, IL beginning at noon on Saturday, June 22, 2013. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to breast cancer research in Veronica's name.