Hoda Baumgartner

Hoda Baumgartner, 68, of Belvidere, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 15, 2023. 

She was born in Kafarchima, Lebanon on October 19, 1954, daughter of Jack and Laure (El-Kareh) Barkho. Paul and Hoda got married on July 25, 1993. Hoda was a longtime member of Belvidere’s St. James Catholic Church and the Legion of Mary. In addition to her involvement with the church, Hoda was also involved with St. James Catholic School where her grandchildren attended, along with their many activities. She was gifted with many talents, including but not limited to crocheting, cross-stitching, cooking, interior decorating, crafting, and her love of fashion. Her talents and hobbies brought joy to us all. One of Hoda’s favorite things to do was take care of her beautiful award-winning garden and yard. Another one of her favorite things was her grandchildren. Hoda could not have been prouder of, and nothing brought her more happiness than her three grandchildren, her pride and joy.

Surviving relatives include: her husband, Paul Baumgartner, of 29 years; daughter, Chris (John) Khochaba; grandchildren, Mia, Mikaylah, and Joey Khochaba; stepchildren, Christopher, Patrick, Nicholas, and Lucas Baumgartner and many more Baumgartner grandchildren; her five siblings, Jean (Ivette) Barkho of Acworth, GA, Elias (Marie) Barkho of Cherry Valley, IL, Jeanette (Joseph) Khochaba of North Aurora, IL, Juliette (Johnson) Odisho of Peoria, AZ, Wema (Miguel) Mercado of Poplar Grove, IL, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and Baumgartner in-laws. Hoda is predeceased by her parents; parents-in-law, Frank (Eileen) Baumgartner; and brother-in-law, Robert Baumgartner.

Hoda had a heart of gold, everyone that met her loved her. She will be dearly missed by all, family and friends alike.

In addition to flowers, memorials may be made to the family of Hoda Baumgartner to be established later.

Visitation will be Thursday, June 22, 2023, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61108. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, June 23, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church, 402 Church St. Belvidere, IL 61008. The burial will conclude in Belvidere Cemetery.

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