Michelle "Shelley" Rowland (Straka)

Michelle "Shelley" Rowland (Straka), 64, was called to her heavenly home on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, after a long battle with breast cancer. Shelley was born to Carleine and Donald Straka on September 9th, 1959. She was the beloved sister of Cheri Straka, Cathy Hartmann (Doug) and Cary Mann (Jason). She was a proud mother to Nicholas Rowland (Jenna) and Megan Ulrich (Matthew). She had one grandson, who she loved dearly, named Ty.

Shelley was very accomplished and impactful as an educator. Using her bachelors degree in Special Education from Illinois State University and her masters degree from Northern Illinois University in Educational Leadership and Administration, she touched the lives of many children across multiple school districts in the Chicagoland area. She was a wonderful and caring teacher, mother, babysitter, sister, friend, and daughter.

Shelley loved a good book, a good puzzle, and a good tune. She played golf and tennis, did water aerobics, and stayed active as much as possible, even with her busy schedule. She was creative and clever, yet pragmatic and rational. On any bright day you would find her catching all the sun she could, reading a book on the lanai in Florida, and soaking in the warm air. She was particularly fond of musicals and plays at her much adored Paramount Theater in Aurora and could be heard singing the songs for days after seeing a play she loved.

She accomplished so much in her life, all while battling cancer, and is an inspiration to all who knew her. She fought so hard until the end and has more than earned this rest. She will be missed dearly.

Memorial service will be held on Friday, January 26, 2024, at 11:00am at First Lutheran Church in DeKalb with Pastor Janet Hunt officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 26, 2024, from 10:00am until the time of service at the church.  In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the family to be established at a later date.  Arrangements and cremations rites were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 815-758-3841.