Shirley Manno

SHIRLEY C. MANNO, 67 DEDICATED WIFE, MOTHER AND GRANDMOTHER ROCKFORD - Shirley C. Manno, 67, of Rockford lost her battle with cancer at 2:06 p.m. Monday, May 30, 2011, in her home, with loved ones gathered around her. Born Sept. 13, 1943, in Long Beach, Calif., the daughter of Albert and Connie (James) Murphy. Shirley moved to Rockford at the age of 4 and was a graduate of Bishop Muldoon High School. Married her loving husband, Ron Manno, on Feb. 4, 1961. Her life's work consisted of raising a family of four girls and a husband, and she did a fabulous job of it. Shirley was a woman of great principle and dedication to what she believed in. She was a loving, caring person and when anyone she knew hurt; she hurt. She dedicated months to taking care of her grandmother when she was very sick. Wherever Shirley went, the Lord and love was with her. She was a dedicated member of Holy Family Catholic Church and volunteered for many functions at the church. Shirley always felt rich with her belief in the Lord, family, and treasured and enjoyed every friend she had. She took a great deal of pride and joy being born of Irish decent, and her family always took time to have fun with Shirley Murphy, or as Ron liked to call her, "Murph." Survivors include her husband of 50 years, Ron Manno; daughters, Joan M. (fiance, Tom Truax) Bennett, Dawn M. Gille, Lynn M. Manno and Kristine M. (Eric) Sommerfield; grandchildren, Ashleigh Bennett, Amber and Kristine Gille and Kyle Sommerfield; great-granddaughter, Kayleigh Johnson; brother, Richard (Kathy) James; and niece, Jenny James. Predeceased by her parents; and infant son, Michael R. Manno. Memorial Mass at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 4, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Road. Inurnment in Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Winnebago. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to an organization that helps women and children. Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, is assisting the family. Express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.