Wilhelmina Cochran

Wilhelmina Cochran, age 82, passed away on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana. 

Wilhelmina Cochran (Willie or Lilly) was born in Holland on June 21st, 1943. She was close with her three siblings - two sisters Trudie and Anne-Marie, and her brother Arno. In 1963, Wilhelmina came to the USA and worked as an au pair in Champaign. Within two years, she met her first husband, Vladeta (Mike) Lazarevich, and started a nursery school in Champaign which was open for 15 years. They had two boys during this time, Peter and Alex.

Later, Wilhelmina married for a second time, to William W. Cochran, and lived in Champaign. Around 1987, Wilhelmina received an associates degree in Nursing from Parkland College and became an RN at Mercy Hospital in Urbana, working there for 20 years.

Later still, Wilhelmina lived on her own in Champaign while remaining close with her 2nd husband. She retired around 2007 and enjoyed spending time with friends and family, gardening, walking her dogs and loved to crochet. She was a member of AA later in life and for a time went to meetings daily. She remained especially close with her two sons. Wilhelmina spent the last year of her life in Amber Glen Memory Care where she enjoyed the company of other residents and many visits from her sons. She died at Carle Hospital on Feb 22nd, 2026 after suffering a stroke the day before. Wilhelmina is survived by her three siblings and her two sons.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 4pm to 6pm on Friday, February 27, 2026 at Owens Funeral Home, Champaign.

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