Mary Ann Rotello

Mary Ann Rotello, 95, passed away suddenly on Saturday, May 24, 2025, surrounded by her family and her favorite music. Born in February of 1930, in Elgin, Illinois, the daughter of James and Nan (Wright) Costello, Mary Ann made Rockford her home for more than 60 years.
After receiving her bachelor's degree in social work from Rosary College, she dedicated her career to serving children in need. She started her career with Catholic Charities, followed by three decades with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
Mary Ann was a devout Catholic and longtime member of the Cathedral of St. Peter where she sang in the choir and served as a lector and cantor. She was a member of the St. Anne's Society and the Prayer Shawl Ministry. Mary Ann had a lifelong love of music and theater, which she instilled in her children. She loved all kinds of music and often played Irish music in celebration of her Irish heritage. Growing up, she enjoyed performing in musicals and plays. In her later years, she sang with the Mendelssohn Chorale. There is nothing she loved more than to play piano surrounded by her singing family and friends!
In her free time, Mary Ann loved to knit. In addition to the prayer shawls and hats for newborn babies, she made scarves, slippers, and blankets for each of her grandchildren as they entered college. She also enjoyed working crossword and jigsaw puzzles and playing bridge with the ladies. She had a knack for growing African Violets and rhubarb, which she used in her famous rhubarb cake. Mary Ann was an avid sports watcher and lifelong fan of Notre Dame and the Chicago Cubs.
Mary Ann was a strong and loving matriarch of the family, survived by her children Stephen (Dora) Rotello; Maria, Veronica and Rosanne Rotello; Anita (Joseph) Ratterman; her grandchildren Rebecca (David) Craig, Anthony (Lynn Fernandes) Rotello, John Michael (Adam Smith) Rotello, Joey (Hayley) Rotello, Katie (Jon) Montgomery and Anna (Andrew Gawlik) Ratterman; and her great-grandchildren John, Joe and Tom Craig, Roen Rotello and Evan Montgomery, as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers James and John Costello, and her son Matthew Rotello.
Memorial Mass for Mary Ann will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 27, 2025 at Cathedral of St. Peter, 1243 N. Church St., Rockford. Visitaiton will be from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the Mass. Luncheon to follow Mass in Fellowship Hall. Burial services will be private. Memorials in her name may be made to the family in care of Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1001 Second Ave., Rockford, IL 61104. To share a memory or condolence visit olsonfh.com.