Gloriadee E. Stenlund

It is with great heartache to announce the passing of "Grandma" Gloriadee Ellen Stenlund, 72, passed away on March 15, 2023, in Rockford, Illinois. She was born in Daytona Beach, Florida on December 9, 1950, daughter to Ulysses Burden and Theolla (Yelling) Burden. Gloria was a beautiful person inside and out always giving back to the community. For a few years was a model for Lane Bryant. On April 1, 1981 she married Richard Stenlund in Florida. They opened the House of Birds in 1999 in Rockford, Illinois and 24 years later still shared their love and passion for the birds and their store. Loved by all that knew her, Gloria had a special ability to become friends with anyone who crossed her path. She had a passion for Harley Davidson and the Chicago Bears. Over the years she has had a few medical concerns and surgeries and will be remembered for how hard she fought and how strong and loving she was and her faith in God.

She will be survived by those who loved her most, her husband Richard "Dick" Stenlund; her children ChrisAnthony C. Shields, Timothy A. (Jennifer) Shields, Zachary M. (Sabrina) Burden, Kirstin Jorgensen, Mark Stenlund, Kelly Stenlund, and Richard Stenlund Jr; her brother Greg (Willie Mae) Burden; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; special nieces Aprill and KaTasha and numerous other nieces and nephews. And we must not forget all her feathered and furry grandchildren she adored so much. She is predeceased by her parents, her two sisters, and brother.

A celebration of her life will take place om Saturday, April 1, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. until 1 :00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, Illinois 61108. to send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com