Virginia Poletto

VIRGINIA J. POLETTO, 84 ROCKFORD - Virginia J. Poletto, 84, of Rockford passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2014, at River Bluff Nursing Home, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's. Virginia was born on April 5, 1929, in Rockford; the daughter of James and Zoe "Jean" Koplos. She attended East High School where she excelled in archery. Virginia married Anthony "Mickey" Poletto on June 21, 1952, at Saint Anthony's Catholic Church in Rockford. She was employed for many years at Phoenix Cleaners, the family business, and later at Fitz Cleaners until her retirement. Virginia was a member of Saint Anthony's Parish and the Venetian Club. She loved going with her husband to LaCrosse, WI, Las Vegas, and on bus trips to see her beloved Chicago Cubs and gambling casinos. Virginia loved her trips to Arizona to visit her sister, Mary and family. She enjoyed bowling, playing bocce with two of her best friends, Val Mioni and Irene Pauletto, and getting her hair and nails done. Her friends were very important to her, especially her card and senior groups. Virginia was very devoted to her family and there was nothing she wouldn't do for any of them. She loved weekends at Purdue and Saturday shopping trips with her daughter and granddaughter. As a major spectator at all of her granddaughter's basketball games and softball games, she never missed an event unless she was in Arizona. Virginia was very proud of her Greek heritage and sometimes was referred to as the "Golden Greek". She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 61 years, Anthony "Mickey"; daughter and son-in-law, Denise and Tom Clendening; granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Bianca and Joe Sutherland; sisters, Evelyn Rebecca of Rockford and Mary Holmquist of Mesa, Arizona; niece, Lisa Nave, who was like a second daughter to her; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and very dear friends. Words cannot express the heartfelt thanks to the entire staff of River Bluff Nursing Home for their outstanding compassion, care, and love shown to Virginia and her family during her illness. We became family. We would also like to express a special thank you to Gina, Susan, and Ebony for being with Virginia at the time of her passing. Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 26, 2014, at Saint Anthony's Catholic Church, 1010 Ferguson Street, with Franciscan Friars officiating. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until service time. Burial will take place at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family. Arrangements are with Gasparini & Oliveri Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 707 Marchesano Dr. Condolences to: www.gasparinioliverifuneral.net.