4-12-2022 2:48pm

Andrea Calkins (1946-2022) worked at Stonebridge Kennels with her family

Michael McGinnis Editor

Andrea “Andy” Calkins, 75, of Roscoe, Illinois passed away in her home on April 3, 2022. She was surrounded by her family and friends the entire seven weeks after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Andy never complained about anything in life and that continued until her death. She only wished for more time.

Andy was born July 28, 1946 in Rockford, Illinois to Helen A. Cook and William J. Cook. She graduated from Rockford East High School in 1964. Soon after, she went to work for Rockford Life Insurance Company. She worked in the insurance business for over 40 years before retiring from Monumental Life Insurance Company in 2008. In retirement, Andy kept herself busy by working with her family at Stonebridge Kennels. Until March 2022, she was the primary bookkeeper at the kennel on Burr Oak Road in Roscoe. Andy was a hard worker and always helped those around her.

Those left to cherish Andy’s memory include her loving partner, Steven Frey, her children, Catherine (Stephen) Switzer and David Calkins, both of Roscoe, IL; grandchildren, Kelly and Peter Switzer, and numerous cousins. She was predeceased by her mother Helen A. Cook, father William J. Cook, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Andy was an avid reader, a good sport, an animal lover and an excellent cook. Her chocolate chip cookies garnered many fans and recipe seekers over the years. She had a love for Golden Retrievers and is already missed by her dogs, Cody and Snowbelle. Andy could always be found at Kelly and Peter’s school and sporting events. One of her last outings was to Grandparents Day at Rockford Christian School where she enjoyed seeing Kelly and Peter perform. They miss her dearly.

Please join the family for a memorial gathering on Saturday April 30, 2022 from 1:00 -3:00 p.m. at Cross and Crown Lutheran Church, 7404 Elevator Road in Roscoe, IL. Cremation rites were accorded by Stateline Cremations. You may send memorial donations to the family or Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary.

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