Dolores J. Zuroske

Dolores J. Zuroske, 83, of Rockford died Thursday, December 22, 2016 peacefully in her sleep. Born March 14, 1933 in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, Dolores was the daughter of Herman and Sarah (Underwood) Lawson. She graduated from Mt. Vernon High School and married her loving husband, Fred on February 7, 1953 in Harvey, IL. Dolores worked for Sears Roebuck in the hardware department at Cherryvale Mall for 30 years until her retirement. A devoted member of Alpine Lutheran Church for many years, she was a former 4H leader (20 plus years). She loved ceramics, reading and travel. Her favorite reading typically involved European royalty and romances. Family trips throughout the Midwest would usually include visits to old homes, museums and include a stop at any historical markers that could be found. She maintained an affinity for light houses throughout her life and visited many throughout the Great Lakes region. Her travels also included a yearly trip to St. Pete Beach, FL during Easter where she and Fred, often surrounded by family members and friends, would enjoy the white sands and warm ocean breezes. Throughout most of her adult life, Dolores lived in the A.C. Thompson neighborhood in southeast Rockford. There she made lifelong friends with many neighborhood families, always enjoying the many block parties and brat parties that involved good food, neighborly comradery, and an ample amount of story-telling. She was blessed with seven grandchildren and one-great grandson and spent as much time as she could with them. She was always a lover of children and enjoyed their company more than that of adults. She was a kind and caring wife, mother and grandmother and will be missed dearly.
Survivors include her husband of 63 years, Fred Zuroske Sr. of Rockford, her sons, Paul Zuroske of Loves Park, Patrick (Evelyn) Zuroske of San Anselmo, CA, and Fred (Sheila) Zuroske Jr. of Belvidere; grandchildren, Abigail, Zoe, Jared, Miranda, Isabelle, Cooper and Rylan; great grandson, Logan and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother (Harry), two sisters (Fern and Lucille) and a very special niece, Faye Lovett. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you the staff at Rosewood Care Center for their compassionate care.
The funeral service will be Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at 11 am at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel 1860 S. Mulford Rd. with a visitation from 10 am until the time of service. Burial will be held in Arlington Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name to Alpine Academy, 5001 Forest View Avenue, Rockford, IL 61108 would be appreciated. Express online condolences at: www.fitzgeraldfh.com