Gloria M. Verace

Gloria M. Verace, Belvidere, died peacefully in her home on Tuesday, September 22, 2020. She was born November 17, 1933, in Rockford, daughter of Leo and Catherine Ruefer. She graduated from Muldoon High School and married Vincent V. Verace in St. Mary Catholic Church on February 7, 1953. They started their family of six beautiful children and were a team as proud owners of the Grotto Restaurant for over 30 years. And in their “retirement” they owned and operated the Hickory Knolls Golf Range until its closing 16 years later. This was the work ethic that they instilled in their children. Gloria was a hard-working, selfless woman whose world always revolved around her family. And for this we will love her and miss her for the rest of our lives.
Survivors include her husband, Vincent; children, Michael J. (Jeannie) Verace, Susan C. (Michael) McGarry, Anne F. (Thomas) Lindquist and Ronald A. Verace; grandchildren, Sarah A. Verace, Camille M. (Lex) Boccia, Bridget L. (Jared) Roskamp, Michael V. (Abigail) McGarry, Gunnar, Lael and Leif Verace; great-grandchildren, Ziya, Eszie and Luke and many nieces and nephews.
Her two biggest losses of her life were of her two sons Jim and Vince at ages 15 and 22 respectively. It was her deep love and faith that navigated all of us through those tragic times. She truly was our pillar of strength and the glue that has held us together over all these years. And so now it is with smiles through our tears that she has been reunited with them.
She is also predeceased by her parents; brothers, Leo and Ronald Ruefer; and infant brother, Donald Ruefer.
A private family Funeral Mass will be held at St. Rita Catholic Church followed by burial at Calvary Catholic Cemetery alongside her boys. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Arrangements were completed by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel. Send condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.