Edward J. Didier

Edward J. Didier, 94, of Rockford, died peacefully at home on Sunday, October 1, 2017 surrounded by his family. He was born in Franklin Park, IL on March 21, 1923, son of George and Angeline Didier. Edward proudly served his country in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. He married his loving wife, Mary (Durkin) Didier, in 1951 in Rockford. They were married 58 years before her passing in 2009. Edward studied horticulture at the University of Illinois and came home to open Didier Greenhouses in 1948. Edward was a past president of the Illinois State Florist Association, and his work ethic kept him busy at the greenhouse until the age of 82. He was a devout Lay Dominican. Edward was a long-time member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church then, later, Holy Family Catholic Church, serving as lector at both for many years. He was an avid reader, enjoyed playing cards, and was passionate about sailing. Edward was a loving and generous father, and grandfather, and his family will miss him dearly.

Edward is survived by his children, Ed Didier Jr., Anne (Brian) Preston, and Katie (Brian) Allison; grandchildren, Drew, Paul, Grace, Jacob, and Emily; brother, Bill Didier, and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents; his wife Mary; siblings, George, Charlotte, Jack, Angeline, Larry, and Jerome; nephews John and Joey, niece Karen.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 7, 2017; at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Rd., Rockford, IL, 61107. Visitation will be from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 6, 2017; at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 3910 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, IL, 61103; with a Recitation of the Rosary at 8:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at Church on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass. Burial will follow Mass immediately to St. Mary's Cemetery in Rockford. Memorials may be made to the Poor Clares Corpus Christi Monastery, 2111 S. Main St., Rockford, IL, 61102. Share condolences online atwww.fitzgeraldfh.com