Collette M. Goble

Collette Marie (Delaney) Kelly Goble
May 16, 1939 - October 17, 2025

Collette Marie Kelly Goble passed away peacefully at home in the early hours of October 17, at the age of 86, after a brief illness. She was loving, caring, kind, and vibrant, with a twinkle of mischief in her eye. She left a lasting impression on everyone who met her, and will be greatly missed.

Born in Joliet, IL to Gerald and Anarita Delaney, she grew up in Manhattan, IL. She met her greatest love, her first husband, J. Paul Kelly, in high school, and she fulfilled a lifelong wish to become a mother when they welcomed their three children: Michael, Colleen, and Rodney. Together they had a beloved and tight-knit friend group. After Paul died in 2000, she found a second love with their close friend Tom Goble, and became stepmother to his three sons: Thomas, Christopher, and Dennis.

She loved social gatherings and good conversation, and remained close over the years with her group of high school girlfriends-the "IT Girls" as they were known.

Caring for others was a guiding principle for her: as a mother, as a nurse, and as a Catholic. She attended nursing school at Little Company of Mary in Evergreen Park, IL (now part of OSF). Her nursing career took her to jobs in Joliet and Rockford, and she spent many years as a beloved school nurse at RPS 205 as well.

Throughout her life, her work with the church-and her devotion to God-played a significant role. After retiring as a nurse, she enjoyed volunteering with Holy Family Parish, and ministered to local families in need through the St. Vincent De Paul Society. Her Holy Family community was like a second family to her, where she made a lovely group of lifelong friends.

Predeceased by Paul and Tom, she is survived by her three children: Michael (Kirstie), Colleen, and Rodney, and her three stepsons: Tom (Anne), Chris (Carol), and Dennis. She was a beloved aunt to nephew Tim Placher, and nieces Peggy Manville (Tony), Sally Flaschberger (Dan), and Patty Thompson-Smith (Scott), and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4407 Highcrest Rd., Rockford. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers the family would welcome donations in her name to St. Vincent de Paul, Rockford (https://www.svdprockfordcouncil.org/online-donations.html) or to the Poor Clares (via the Diocese of Rockford 815-399-4300). To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.olsonfh.com .