Linda “Sigi” Psimenos Obituary (1950

Linda "Sigi" Psimenos, age 65, passed away on May 19, 2016 at Loyola University Medical Center surrounded by close friends and family. Sigi was born September 2, 1950 in Hausen, Germany to the loving parents of Guenther and Gertrude Scheel. Sigi's family emigrated from Germany to the United States when she was ten years old, and she graduated from Chicago's Lakeview High School. She met the love of her life, husband Nick Psimenos, at a restaurant. They shared many beautiful years together, moving to Elgin in 1992. Sigi launched her lifelong record as a community activist after first becoming interested in politics in 1968. Over the years, she volunteered for many organizations, and friends appreciated her keen ability to inspire her community and achieve social progress. Sigi was especially passionate about feminism, preserving natural resources for the next generation, and elevating the role of art in our culture. Oftentimes, as only Sigi could, she combined all of her passions into unique community events that benefitted everyone. She was a prolific fundraiser, and never took "no" for an answer. When she set her mind to something, she always found a way to make it happen. Sigi served president of the Elgin League of Women Voters, Co-Founder of Elgin Climate Change Organization, Co-Founder of Elgin Green Expo, and Coordinator of Art & Soul on the Fox. She also served on the City of Elgin Sustainable Master Planning Committee, the Elgin Community Garden Network, Elgin City of Peace, Next Wave Salon, Art for All, and One Billion Rising, among many others. She recently co-hosted the radio show, "Two Old Broads," talking politics and current events. When she wasn't organizing community events, Sigi was a talented artist who enjoyed painting and had a talent for interior design. She will be remembered by friends and family for her charismatic, vivacious personality, generosity and good humor. Sigi was preceded in death by her first husband, Frank Pedote and her second husband, Nick Psimenos. Sigi is lovingly remembered by her son, Anthony Pedote; brother Dietmar Scheel; sisters Angie Scheel, Carol (Pat) Colford, and Brigitte Scheel. Sigi will be remembered at a Celebration of Life 1:00PM to 4:00PM Sunday June 12, 2016 with services to follow at 4:00PM at Symonds-Madison Funeral Home, 305 Park St, Elgin, IL 60120. Interment will be private. For more information call 847-741-1128 or visit www.symondsmadisonfuneralhome.com.