Frances Rose Samuelson

Frances Rose Samuelson passed away after a brief illness on January 23, 2026 at Heritage Woods in Rockford, Illinois, after a long life at the age of 101. A resident of Rockford her entire life, she was born to Joseph Salivar and Loretta "Lottie" (Zambrowski) Salivar on December 28, 1924. She graduated from East Rockford High School, Class of '43 and kept in touch with many friends from that class throughout her life. She married her husband, John E. Samuelson, on August 16, 1947, and he predeceased her on October 5, 1982. Her working career started as a switchboard operator at Lincoln Jr. High School and during WWII she worked in a factory making wooden cabinets for radios. Later in life she was a receptionist at Wesley Willows and a bookkeeper for a hair salon into her 80s. She enjoyed playing bridge with her monthly bridge club for many years. She also enjoyed traveling, trips to Florida and Las Vegas, out East to New England to visit her daughter and her husband, and Arizona to visit her son where he lived for a few years. She often wondered why she was living for so long and, at the end of her life, she was a resident of Heritage Woods and the staff and residents there really enjoyed her company and stories, so that may have been part of the reason.

She was predeceased by "the best husband of all", John E. Samuelson, her parents, her stepfather, her three brothers and one sister.

She is survived by her sons, Curtis (Bonnie) Samuelson, Rockford, IL; Craig (Theresa) Samuelson, Loves Park, IL; and daughter, Cathy (James) Kroll, Biddeford, Maine. Also survived by grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Heritage Woods and Hospice for their comfort and care in her final days. A Celebration of Life will be forthcoming in the Spring.