Barbara Ann Pearse

Barbara Ann “Barb” Pearse passed away July 3, 2023, at Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center in Rockford, IL at the age of 88. Barb was born June 24, 1935, to Edward and Christine (Mickschl) Jiracek in La Crosse, WI. Barb graduated from Aquinas High School in La Crosse in 1953, where she met the love of her life, Roy J. Pearse. Barb and Roy were married on July 12, 1958. Barb was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother for many years. In February 1967, Barb and Roy moved to Rockford with their three sons Tim, Terry, and Patrick, and after moving to Rockford their fourth son, Ryan, was born. Barb and Roy were avid bridge players for many years. She sang in the choir and was a member of a bingo team at St. Edwards Church. Barb faithfully attended Sunday Mass and Friday Chapel at Holy Family. Barb loved gardening, doing yard work, spending time with her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Her husband Roy was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and battled the disease for 25 years at which time she became his primary caretaker even during her battle with cancer. Barb bravely battled Parkinson’s for the last 12 years of her life while also beating COVID twice. She was loved very

deeply by her family, and she will be missed by everyone who knew her. 

She is survived by her brother, Jim (Avril) Jiracek; three of her sons, Timothy (Martha) Pearse of Rockford, Patrick (Patricia) Pearse of Rockton, Ryan (Megan) Pearse of Machesney Park, and daughter-in-law, Donna Pearse of Polo; eight grandchildren, Lindsi (Anthony) Peterson, Zachary and Andrew Pearse, Sean and Bridget Pearse, and Madeleine, Clara, and Camille Pearse; several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, husband Roy, and her son, Terry Pearse.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Fairhaven and OSF Hospice for their excellent care.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S Mulford Road, Rockford. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at 10am at Holy Family Church, 4401 Highcrest Rd in Rockford with interment at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 8616 W State Rd in Winnebago immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research online at www.michaeljfox.org/donate or to the Rockford Rescue Mission, 715 West State St. Rockford, IL

61102.