Joan F. Bartel Rafferty

Joan F. Bartel Rafferty, 89, of Rockford passed away peacefully surrounded by many of her children and grandchildren on Monday, December 25, 2017 at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. She was born on February 5, 1928 in Aurora, IL, the daughter of Frank and Frances (Molitor) Spoden. She was devoted member of Holy Family Catholic Church. Joan was a woman who exemplified faith, compassion, beauty, and kindness with unconditional love. She lived in the joy of every moment. If you knew her you loved her.

She is survived by her loving children, Bill (Isobel) Bartel, Bob (Lynda) Bartel, Timothy Bartel, Joe (Kristan) Bartel, Frank (Judee) Bartel, Susan (Jim) Belt, Jane (Mark) Layng, Deb (Lon) Jafraty, Mary (Charle) Clements, and Joan (Bill) Satterlee; her step children, Mike (Donna) Rafferty, Kevin (Jenny) Rafferty, and Kelly (Nanette Dickinson) Rafferty; 31 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; her daughter in-law, Shirley Rafferty; sisters in-law, Marg Spoden and Marlene (Bob) Mareth; and dear friend, Kaare Nevdal. She is predeceased by her husbands, William R. Bartel Sr. and Vincent Paul Rafferty, step-son, James Rafferty and brothers, Jack Spoden and Gil Spoden.

Funeral Mass will be held on 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December, 30, 2017 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Road, Rockford. A visitation will be held on Friday, December 29, 2017 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave, and will continue from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at the church. Burial Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Corpus Christi Monastery of the Poor Clares, appreciated. Express online condolences at ww.fitzgeraldfh.com