Mary "Kathy" Metcalf

Mary "Kathy" Metcalf, 81, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on November 26, 2025. Kathy was born on February 29, 1944, in Gibsonton, FL, the daughter of Eric V. and Mary E. Bergman. The Bergman family traveled between Rockford, IL, and Tampa, FL, many times before finally settling in Rockford in the 1950s. Kathy attended Turner School and Lincoln Middle School, graduating from East High School in 1962.

Soon after, she began working at CamCar in Accounts Payable. On April 21, 1973, Kathy married Art Metcalf, who also worked at Camcar in outside services. Throughout their 52 years of marriage, Art and Kathy made many lifelong friends. They worked, socialized, and raised their families together. What a blessing to have been surrounded by so many caring friends.

In 1975, Art and Kathy, with two young girls and a son on the way, started attending Bethany Presbyterian Church, where Kathy joyfully served as a deacon. Kathy enjoyed sending cards and was especially gifted at calling and checking in on those she hadn't seen in a while. She noticed everything. Kathy was a great baker, a terrific cook, and she could sew anything. She was a master at the "night before it was needed" costume or outfit. She made clothes and costumes for her children and church projects, including the puppet ministry and a whole herd of shepherds.

Art and Kathy had three children: Christine, Kimberly, and Arthur. They were her world. While the kids were young, Kathy left CamCar and worked many years on the overnight shift at Hilander in the bakery so the kids wouldn't need a babysitter. Kathy was an involved mother, serving as a room parent, helping in Scouts, attending activities, and being a constant presence in their lives. More than a few of her children's friends considered her a second mother. When the kids were almost grown, the opportunity to return to CamCar arose, and she spent the rest of her career working where it all began. Grandchildren started arriving just as Kathy was about to retire, and she found the greatest joy of her life. Being a grandma brought her true happiness. She was always willing to watch the kids, especially when naptime snuggles were on the agenda. Like with her own children, Kathy was always singing; hymns, oldies, lullabies, and fun songs about bears, picnics, and animal fairs. Most of all, she sang about her love for the child in her arms, a whole bushel and a peck. She was able to stay home and care for Logan and Eloise through their elementary years. Kathy was a loving grandmother, creating craft projects, visiting the apple orchard, reading countless stories, and watching movies. Lucas came along and soaked up all Grandma's love. Her love was limitless.

Kathy is survived by her husband, Arthur N. Metcalf; children, Christine (Andy) Franklin, Kimberly (Sean Gibson) Metcalf, and Arthur (Amanda Jones, Trent) Metcalf; and grandchildren, Logan and Eloise Franklin, and Lucas Gibson. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is predeceased by her parents, Eric V. and Mary E. Bergman; brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Joann Bergman; sisters, Ida Belle Bergman and Esther L. Bergman, and nephew, Ronald Bergman.

Special love and thanks to the nurses, doctors, and caring staff at OSF Saint Anthony Hospital's CCU and Emergency Department, as well as the caring staff at St. Anne's Center. Eternal gratitude to OSF Hospice for their loving and compassionate care. God bless each of you.

Our hearts are broken, but that only shows the depths to which we were loved.

Memorial Services will be held at Bethany Presbyterian Church at a later date. Memorials may be made to the family or to Bethany Presbyterian Church, Loves Park.

To reflect Kathy's love for growing things, the family invites those wishing to send floral expressions to choose potted plants rather than cut flowers.