Kathryn J. Ferraro

Kathryn (Amundson-Blackwelder) Ferraro, 60 Devoted Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Sister Kathryn (Amundson-Blackwelder) Ferraro, 60, of Machesney Park died, in the loving arms of her family at 12:15 p.m. Sunday, April 1, 2007 at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center, after bravely battling cancer for 2 ½ years. Born, August 25, 1946 in Rockford, the Daughter of Paul and Madeline (Mason) Amundson. Kathy attended St. Anthonys School and Bishop Muldoon High School before moving to Irving Texas, with her family in 1962. She married her late husband William "Sonny" Blackwelder in 1964 and in 1989 Kathy married her loving husband of 18 years Larry Ferraro. Kathy graduated from North Texas State University in 1976 and began teaching in Irving Texas. She returned to Rockford in 1979 where she taught at St. Bernadette Grade School. Kathy earned her Masters Degree in 1993 from National Lewis University, and taught over 21 years in Rockford Public Schools through the 2005/2006 School year. Kathy dedicated her whole life to teaching and being a role model and mentor to her students. Kathy was the "Perfect Mother" and was truly dedicated to her family. She served not only as a mother and grandmother, but also as a best friend and she enjoyed attending the after school activities of all her grandchildren. Kathys favorite past time was golfing. She and Larry traveled the country golfing and vacationing. The family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Hoskins and the Staff at the OSF Cancer center, her caring nurse Deb Sauka and dear friend, Judy Durgom. Survivors include her husband, Larry; her daughters, Kristy (Scott) Blackwelder-Neumer and Michele (Joshua) Ferraro-Brown; grandchildren, Bradley, Kallie, and Ethan Neumer; brother, Paul Joseph Amundson; sister, Pauline (Leon) Fischer, mother-in-law, Lil Ferraro, numerous nieces and nephews and her special companion Hope. Kathy is predeceased by her parents; her first husband "Sonny" , her brother, Peter and sons, David and John Blackwelder. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday April 4, 20 07 at 2:00PM at St. Bridget Catholic Church with Rev. Brian A. Olsen officiating. Interment will be held at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation to be held Tuesday April 3, 2007 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel 1860 S. Mulford Rd. from 4:00-8:00 pm. and will continue at the church on Wednesday from 1:00-1:45 pm. Express on line condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com