Deborah Sue Pearson

Deborah Sue Pearson, of Rockford, passed away March 5th at Kindred Hospital, Sycamore, from pulmonary complications. Born in Rockford on November 2, 1947 to Elmer and Vivian (Belfield) Ahmer, she attended schools in Hales Corners, WIS. And Rockford, graduating from East High School in 1965, member of National Honor Society. She attended WIU, RVC and Rockford Business College. Debbie and Russ were wed Nov. 25, 1965. Deb worked for the Rockford Board of Education 4 years and Sherwin-Williams Co, 20 years, retiring in 2005 to pursue her calling as full time gramma to Doodles, Lissie-poo and Ellie-bean. Oh how she loves those kids! An exceptional seamstress, Debbie was unfazed by the most difficult patterns and loved to create everything from prom dresses to Halloween costumes. She liked the challenge of crossword, logic and jigsaw puzzles but most of all loved to read which led her to volunteer as a tutor for the Literacy Council. Deb earned her motorcycle operators license in 1994 and was a member of the Harley Owners Group. She and Russ spent many a happy hour cruising and being together. Also known as ""Bug"" to her husband, Debbie was a long time VW aficionado (bought her first Beetle in 1967) and belonged to the Volkswagen Club of America and the Stateline Volks Folks. Debbie possessed an unwavering Christian faith that sustained her through good times and bad. Knowing she would have no need of her earthly body, Debbie was a Gift of Hope organ and tissue donor. In death, as in life, she was ever the giving person. She will be remembered as a good and true friend, an over the top grandmother, an ever caring mother and a loving and understanding wife. Godpseed to you and our little one. Debbie is survived by husband Russ; children, Todd Pearson, Danielle (Chris) Loch; grandchildren, Zachary, Alyssa and Gabrielle Loch, Brandon and Brett Pearson; brother, Bruce (Sue) Ahmer; nieces, Stephanie Anderson and Synda Gable; sisters-in-law, Linda (Dick) Gibson and Doreen Broneer; nephews, Robb Gibson, Eric Broneer and George Broneer and practically a daughter, Chris (Stamm) Lawson. She was predeceased by her parents and nephew Brice Ahmer. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to the nursing staffs of St. Anthonys CCC and Kindred Hospital. Your caring and concern was much appreciated. A celebration of Debbies life will take place Friday March 14 at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 2001 N. Alpine Rd., with Pastor Ken Krause officiating. Cremation rites accorded to Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61108. Memorial gifts to Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, outreach programs. To extend condolences online to the family, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com