Esther J. Clagett

Esther J. Clagett, Rockford, died of natural causes in her home on Monday, June 9, 2008. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the daughter of William and Helen Kinowski. Attended Milwaukee public schools and Marquette University. Relocated to Rockford with her husband, James W. Clagett III, and her daughters in 1960. Mom will be remembered by her family for her indomitable spirit, sense of adventure and strong personality. She had an active interest in politics and was avidly following the current presidential election. Her two greatest loves in life were animals and music. In her younger years, she was a talented pianist and vocalist. Her greatest personal achievement was the writing and recording of an original patriotic song entitled We Are Americans after our countrys 9/11 tragedy. She is survived by her daughters, Barbara (Curt) Worden of Rockford and Kathleen (Daniel) Altorfer of Peoria; grandchildren, Stephanie Ritz of Beverly Hills, CA, Allison (Gregory) Derry of Rockford, Andrew Altorfer and Kate Altorfer of Denver, CO; great-granddaughters, Emma, Madeline and Reese Derry; nieces, Carol Pacetti of Mukwanago, WI, Dr. Evonne (Charles) Evans of Waukesha, WI, Georgia (Tom) Wendorf of Milwaukee, WI, Terri (Mike) Kelliher, Waukesha, WI and sister-in-law, Mary Kinowski. Predeceased by her husband, James, in July, 1973 and her brother, Arthur Kinowski. A special thank you to her niece, Dr. Evonne Evans and Dr. Charles Evans for their love and support throughout Moms last years. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 13, 2008 in the Cathedral of St. Peter with Rev. Kevin Butler officiating. Burial in St. Adalbert Cemetery, Milwaukee, WI. Visitation from 10:00 a.m. until time of the Mass at the church on Friday. Memorials may be given to the Cathedral of St. Peter, 1243 N. Church, Rockford, IL. 61103. Arrangements were completed by Fitzgerald Funeral Home amp; Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.fitzgeraldfuneralhome.com.