Agnes Claire Mastrangeli

With heavy hearts we share that our loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and treasured friend was called home to her eternal rest. Agnes Claire Mastrangeli was born to John and Margaret Leonard on September 27, 1938, and entered her heavenly home on November 30, 2023.

Agnes spent her childhood in Rantoul, Illinois where she grew up with her brother, Tom and sister, Betty. She attended Rantoul High School and then pursued her dream to become an elementary school teacher by attending Rockford College. It was there that she met the love of her life, her devoted husband Paul Mastrangeli. They were married on June 25, 1960, and were blessed with 3 children: Doug (Kasia) Mastrangeli, Annmarie (Steve) Andersen, and Mike (Debbie) Mastrangeli, as well as 7 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter. She and Paul loved spending time with their grandchildren. You could find them watching the kids play ball, dance, or ride horses. They enjoyed hosting sleepovers for the grandkids, which always included feeding the birds and squirrels in the backyard.

Agnes loved working with children. She taught at Wig Hill Elementary and later at Saint Patrick’s School in Rockford. As a teacher, she shared her love for books and reading, while bringing music to her students by playing the piano and singing in the classroom. Later in life she would occasionally run into former students while out and about. They would always share a story or memory from their days in her classroom. Each conversation ended with a hug, the same way she said goodbye to them at the end of each school day.

Agnes was involved in many groups and organizations over the years, all of which brought her joy and life-long friends. She loved serving as a board member for Catholic Charities Caritas Auxiliary. She also spent countless hours with friends and sisters within the community. Her involvement in the Rockford Woman’s Club connected her again to her passion for kids, reading, and learning through her coordination of the Rockford Woman’s Club Creative Writing Contest. Agnes also loved to volunteer each year with Paul at Festa Italiana. Her favorite was the heritage tent where they talked about their experiences and shared photographs from their travels to Italy. All friendships throughout her life were full of laughter and joy. Her sense of humor and giggle would brighten every room.

Agnes spent her final two years under the supportive and compassionate care of the nurses and caregivers at Anam Memory Care. Paul would visit her daily, sharing time together, laughter and of course sweets. Everyone at Anam became very special. They loved Agnes and Paul like family, and we appreciate that so much.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Agnes’ name to the Alzheimer's Association, www.act.alz.org

Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until time of Mass, located at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Rd. Rockford, IL 61107. Burial will conclude in Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Winnebago, IL.

Arrangements entrusted to Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory. Share online memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com