Mary Maggio

MARY LOUISE MAGGIO, 95 ROCKFORD - Mary Louise Maggio, 95, died peacefully Saturday, June 4, 2011, at Provena St. Anne Center in Rockford. Mary was born Nov. 2, 1915, in Beloit, Wis., the daughter of Isabella and Ignatius Bonafede. Married Frank J. Maggio on June 20, 1936, in Rockford. Mary is survived by sons, Frank P. (Pamela) Maggio and Roger S. (Patricia) Maggio of Rockford; grandchildren, Martha (William) Merizon of Sun Valley, Idaho, Catherine (Josh) Williams of Seattle, John (Lauren) and Mark (Lisa) of Boulder, Colo., Erin (Scott) Calkins of Rockford, Roger (Heather) and William (Amy) of Seattle and Michael (Kelly) of Chicago; 13 wonderful great-grandchildren; and several special nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her husband; four sisters; and two brothers. Mary had a wonderful life. She worked for many years as a bookkeeper. From 1978 to 1988, together with her husband, Frank, she owned and operated a retail pipe and tobacco business, "Smoker's Den" in the Bergner-Weise stores in Rockford and Janesville, Wis. Her bridge club was started in 1936 and continued for more than 65 years. In addition to bridge, Mary enjoyed many pleasant rounds of golf at the Red Barn with her group known as the Happy Hookers. Mary always found time to volunteer in the community. She volunteered for many years at St. Elizabeth Center and was a Pink Lady at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center. She was also active in the Women's Auxiliary at St. James Catholic Church, serving a term as president of that auxiliary. She was one of the founders of the PTA at Montague Grade School in the late 1940s. From her earliest years, Mary was a voracious reader, an avocation she passed on to her family. She was also an accomplished pianist. In 1929, Mary (then age 14), together with her sister, Adeline (then age 17 and an accomplished singer), gave a half-hour performance on the radio in Beloit, Wis. The program was initiated and sponsored by Beloit College. In her later years Mary continued to enjoy the piano and took great pleasure in her family - especially when she was able to cook her wonderful meals for them. Her family extends a special thank-you to all of Mary's caregivers at Provena St. Anne Center and the Visiting Nurses Association Hospice. Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Monday, June 13, at Holy Family Catholic Church, with visitation from 10 a.m. to time of service; the Rev. Bernard Sehr will officiate. In lieu of flowers, a contribution in Mary's memory to Provena St. Anne Center, 4405 Highcrest Road, Rockford, IL 61107-1452 would be appreciated. The family is being assisted by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Road. Express condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.