Leah Rae Bliss

Leah Rae (Holm) Bliss, passed away peacefully at home on March 23, 2017, in the arms of her loving daughters. She was born August 26, 1938 to Raymond and Nellie (St. John) Holm in Rockford, IL, graduated from East High School and attended Northern Illinois University. Leah’s marriage in 1959 to John J. Sharkey blessed her with three adoring daughters: Kathryn, Laurie, and Margaret, who cherished every moment as her daughter and friend.
Leah enjoyed a long and successful career in the mortgage and title business where she met and married Jack D. Bliss in 1986. Together they enjoyed traveling and a “snowbird” lifestyle between Rockford and Ft. Myers, FL where they loved to entertain their many dear friends, play couple’s golf, cruises to exotic locations, and spending long relaxing days on the beach. Leah had a great sense of humor and was an excellent story teller. She loved shopping, card club, planting her flowers each Spring, and most recently found joy in watching the birds and squirrels entertain her each day outside her window. Her creativity shined in all she did, from her beautifully crocheted blankets and scarves, to the beautiful table settings she created when entertaining family and friends. Nothing brought her more joy than her four grandchildren, for whom there could never be enough spoiling. Watching them sing, dance, perform, or play their sports, either in person or by video, gave her so much joy, and truly sustained her throughout the rest of her days. A beloved mother, sister, grandmother, aunt and treasured friend, she will be forever cherished and missed.
Survived by her daughters, Kathryn (Dan) Durst; Laurie Sharkey Scott; and Margaret (Jim) Buhl; grandchildren, Peyton & Sydney Durst and Taylor & Georgia Buhl; sister, Sally (Mike) Kovanda; nephew, Nick (Rhonda) Kovanda, and great nieces, Lola & Hannah Kovanda; and many cousins & friends. Predeceased by her husband, parents, stepfather, Beauford Bales; sister-in-law, Delia Mae Sharkey, and beloved niece, Michelle (Kovanda) Iasparro. The family would like to thank Leah's caregivers, Crystal, Kathy, Chimel, Diane & Stacy for the loving care and companionship they provided to our Mom. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2017 at 11:00am at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S Mulford Rd, Rockford, IL, with visitation from 10:00am to time of service. Burial in Scandinavian Cemetery. Luncheon at MauhNahTeeSee Country Club to follow burial. Online condolences, visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com