November 13, 2025
Beverly Ellen Schoonmaker Alfeld, age 78, of Crystal Lake, IL passed away on November 13, 2025. Bev was the daughter of the late Donald and Doris Schoonmaker. She grew up in Accord, NY, where her parents owned Valley Gardens, Inc.
She was a graduate of Rondout Valley High School. She earned her Bachelor of Art Degree at SUNY Cortland, then her Master of Art in Design and Master of Fine Art in Textiles from Northern Illinois University. Bev taught high school art and college textiles. After leaving the teaching field, she continued to advocate for special education children as an Academic Performance Specialist for 30 years.
Bev founded her Jamlady business, which manufactured specialty jams, preserves, and relishes. She participated in several Chicagoland farmers markets selling her products. She went on to develop Jamlady.com, and author two award-winning cookbooks, “Jamlady Cookbook” and “Pickles to Relish.” She also was contributing editor for “Fruit Gardener” magazine, a journal of California Rare Fruit Growers (CRFG).
As an avid world traveler, Bev visited over 50 countries searching for unusual fruits. She was a member of Daughters of the American Revolution. Bev was staunchly pro-life and housed many unwed mothers to encourage adoption rather than abortion. She also founded and managed the Donald L. Schoonmaker Scholarship Fund (DLSSF) after her father’s death.
Bev was predeceased by her son, R.J. Alfeld. She is survived by her daughter, Kim Sterba; son, Tim Alfeld; niece, Tami Bogausch; nephew, Jason Schoonmaker; and many cousins.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025 from 3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at George J. Moylan Funeral Home, 2053 NY-32, Rosendale, NY 12472. Family and friends will meet on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at Christ the King Episcopal Church, 3021 NY-213, Stone Ridge, NY 12484 for a funeral mass at 1:00 P.M.. Interment to follow at Marbletown Cemetery in Kingston, NY by her son and parents.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to DLSSF at 698 Exmoor Terrace, Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
https://www.gjmoylanfuneralhome.com/obituary/beverly-ellen-schoonmaker-alfeld
