Mavis Darlene Lins

Princeton - Mavis Darlene Lins of Princeton, Illinois, passed away at her home on Friday, June 12, 2026, at the age of 94. Born on August 19, 1931, in Loganville, Wisconsin, she was the daughter of Walter and Elsa (Roecker) Blank. Mavis graduated from Reedsburg High School in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, in 1949 and continued her education at Sauk County Normal Teachers College, graduating in 1951. She began a lifelong career in education and service to others. In 1953, she married Victor G. Lins, and together they built a loving home centered on faith, family, and community. A devoted Christian, Mavis's faith in God guided every aspect of her life. She was a longtime member of St. Matthews Lutheran Church, where she faithfully worshiped, served, and shared her gifts with others. She was a dedicated choir member for 25 years and found great joy in the fellowship and ministry of her church family. Mavis was a gifted teacher who touched the lives of countless children. She taught preschool classes at Thunderbird School in Cary and Crystal Lake, Illinois, and at Gingerbread Preschool in Princeton, where she nurtured young learners with patience, kindness, and enthusiasm. To those who knew her best, Mavis was a wonderful and generous wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, teacher, and friend. She gave freely of her time, talents, and love, always looking for ways to help and encourage others. An avid bowler for many years, Mavis enjoyed friendly competition until shoulder injuries led her to pursue new interests. After retiring from teaching, she became a familiar and beloved presence at the Princeton Metro Center. Most weekdays found her participating in some form of exercise, and her dedication eventually earned her the affectionate nickname, "Sarge." Through her volunteer leadership of water aerobics classes, she inspired countless participants with her energy, determination, and encouragement. Mavis also possessed a remarkable gift for serving others through her hands and heart. She loved knitting and crocheting, creating more than 250 prayer shawls over the years. These shawls were given to friends, family members, and even strangers as tangible expressions of comfort, compassion, and God's love during difficult times. She was an enthusiastic reader and enjoyed word games, card games, and especially spirited games of Euchre. Even after living with macular degeneration for more than 20 years, Mavis refused to let her vision loss define or limit her. Instead, she embraced new technologies and adaptive tools, including audiobooks, magnification devices, her iPad, and her iPhone, enabling her to continue enjoying the activities she loved. Through it all, she never lost her sharp intellect, bright sense of humor, or competitive spirit. Mavis was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Elsa Blank; her beloved husband, Victor G. Lins; her eldest son, Daniel Lins; and her sister, Elaine Steiner. She is survived by her sons, Richard Lins and Gerald Lins; her daughters, Janice (Daniel) Cartwright and Mary Lins; her daughter-in-law, Sharon Lins; her sister, Donna (Harvey) Terry; five grandchildren, Frank Lins, Carrie Lins, Dennis Lins, Brian Ford and Jason (Megan) Ford; five great grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation one hour prior to the service, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Princeton, IL. on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Services to follow at 11:00 a.m. at St. Matthews Lutheran Church officiated by Deacon Michelle Francis, private burial to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Matthews Lutheran Church or St. Jude's Research Center. Mavis leaves behind a legacy of faith, generosity, perseverance, and love. Whether teaching a child, encouraging a friend, leading an exercise class, knitting a prayer shawl, or sharing a laugh around a card table, she made life brighter for those around her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Online condolences may be directed to www.norbergfh.com Arrangements entrusted to Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments.

Mavis Darlene Lins

August 19, 1931 - June 12, 2026