Our History

The National Society

The Daughters of the British Empire (DBE) is a charitable, non-profit, non-political, non-sectarian, voluntary American society of women of British or Commonwealth birth, ancestry, naturalization, or marriage. Its members are professionals, businesswomen, and homemakers with common interests and heritage, who meet regularly for business and other events with the common cause of philanthropy. The society was founded in the United States on March 15, 1909, as the Imperial Order, Daughters of the Empire in the U.S.A., and became the National Society of Daughters of the British Empire in the U.S.A. in 1920.

For over 100 years, The Daughters of the British Empire in the U.S.A. has been a common bond for women of British heritage living in America. Members, joining together in fellowship, contribute significantly to the good of their local communities and support the four retirement homes for men and women established by the DBE. The States of the Midwest District are proud to support Cantata (formerly the British Home) in Brookfield, IL.

state board

State President: Jane Stone

1st Vice President: Sheila Schulthesz

Jane is a first - generation American. She was born in Detroit to English parents. She pursued her post-graduate studies in England and fell in love with it, as well as the man that is now her husband. They lived in Stratford-upon-Avon for 23 years before making the decision to "cross the pond" and settle in Illinois. Jane works full time for AbbVie as a Senior Business Systems Consultant and her hobbies include Mid-Century Modern design; collecting vintage sewing patterns; hiking; gardening; and exploring flea markets, antique malls and estate sales. Jane joined the DBE after meeting a member of Barrington Court Chapter at an open house. She has held several positions including; Barrington Court Treasurer, Regent and now State President.

1st Vice President: Sheila Schulthesz

Sheila was born in Blyth, England, just up the coast from Newcastle. She studied Nursing and Midwife training in Newcastle, continuing her work there before answering an ad to "nurse in California, sun filled days and fun filled nights."

In 1981, Sheila met Mr. Schulthesz, married, had two girls, and moved to Chicagoland. They lived in Glen Ellyn for 27 years before moving to McHenry at her Lake House. In September of 2022 with the passing of Queen Elizabeth, Sheila met a member of the Barrington Court Chapter, attended a meeting, and immediately felt a warm connection with the gals and joined. Sheila has now stepped up to be the Regent of Barrington Court, as well as 1st VP, and looks forward to developing her Chapter and welcoming visitors and new members.

2nd Vice President: Marie Bolson

1st Vice President: Sheila Schulthesz

2nd Vice President: Marie Bolson

Marie's paternal Grandfather was born in England and was a Coal Mine Supervisor. He emigrated with his family to become Illinois Superintendent of Coal Mines. Marie was born in Minneapolis and educated at Elmhurst College, graduating in Communications with a Human Resources core. Her husband's job with Sears meant the family moved to Iowa and then to the Chicago suburbs where she still lives. She is a past president of the Iowa and Illinois Newcomer's clubs, a Certified Cecchetti Ballet Teacher, and past Midwest President of the Cecchetti Council of America. She worked for many years as the Human Resources Director for Cantata until her retirement in 2023.

Marie has been a member of the DBE for nearly 20 years and has held various DBE offices during that time to include, Secretary, Treasurer, Regent and State President. Marie loves all types of music and theater and is still involved in the Midwest Cecchetti Council as a scholarship adjudicator. She enjoys visiting Lake Geneva, and boating on Lake Michigan as well as traveling to DBE Conventions.

Treasurer: Sherry Lyden

Recording Secretary: Barbara Bond

2nd Vice President: Marie Bolson

Sherry was born in Chicago and raised in Lombard, IL. With strong Irish ancestry from both parents, growing up with a love of all things Celtic was just the norm.

Her background is primarily banking with over 30 years in the financial industry and now with Aflac - employee benefits. A former member and President of the “Naperville Noon Lions Club” for over 7 years, she has extensive experience in fundraising activities for charitable organizations.

Introduced to DBE in 2014, she has held positions of Secretary, Treasurer and Regent. Some of her successful fundraisers are; Holiday Craft Fairs, Girl's Night Out, Whiskey Tasting for a Cause, and the King's Coronation British Faire

She has been State Treasurer for nearly 10 years.

Recording Secretary: Barbara Bond

Barbara was born in Lancashire, England and spent her childhood in Hesketh Bank near Southport. After marrying her husband Bob, they lived in Lichfield and Staffordshire before they moved to Northumberland. They came to America in 1985 when Bob took a position with an American Co. Since coming to the USA Barbara has been President of the Auxiliary of Advocates at Good Shepherd Hospital, Chairman of the "Art in the Barn" fundraiser, twice President of her local Garden club and is a longtime member of the Mission Committee at her Church. Barbara joined the Barrington Court Chapter of DBE in 1985 and has held many leadership positions, including Member of the British Home Board, State President, Midwest Organizer and National Organizer for the 32nd administration (2013-2016)