Rita A. Fowler

Rita A. Fowler, 62, lifelong Rockford resident, died after a short illness on Sunday morning, August 5, 2012. Born September 23, 1949, daughter of Francis Ted and Lucille Hyland Mertel.nbsp; Graduated from Muldoon High School in 1967.nbsp; Member of St. James Catholic Church.nbsp; She was employed for approximately 20 years in the office of Regina Bielkus, M.D.nbsp; Rita was a very active woman who enjoyed tennis, downhill snow skiing, walks in the woods and taking time to enjoy the wonders of nature.nbsp; She was a woman with a strong personality and could always be counted on as a loyal friend.

Survivors include her sister, Patrice (Tom) Welch, Naperville; nephew, Kevin (Heather) Welch, Somanauk; niece, Katie (Bryan) Kaczmarek, Naperville; greatnephew, Aiden Kaczmarek, Naperville; long time companion and close friend, Lorenzo Arreguin, Rockford and her special felines, her boys, Buddy and Rascal.nbsp; Predeceased by her parents.nbsp;

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 9, 2012 in St. James Catholic Church with Rev. Dean Russell officiating.nbsp; Visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Thursday at the church.nbsp; The family was assisted by Fitzgerald Funeral Home amp; Crematory, Mulford Chapel.nbsp; Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society.nbsp; Express condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.