M. Joanne Speer

M. Joanne Speer, 75, Rockford, died at home surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, August 21, 2007 at 1:40 p.m. after a brief battle with acute myelogenous leukemia. Born August 18, 1932 in Rockford, the third of five children of LeRoy and Mable Emerson Green. Graduated from East High School in 1950 and Rockford Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in 1953. Retired from Rockford Clinic in 1994 after 21 years of working for Dr. Charles Picus.. Married Fred W. Speer in Rockford on February 22, 1980. She had been a volunteer for Rockford Health Systems Auxillary, tutored reading at Nelson School and was a Lifescapes Meals on Wheels volunteer. Joanne was a loving, high energy, organized woman. Gardening was a huge part of her life and she loved to walk, enjoyed all types of music, appreciated nature and wildlife and was a voracious reader. She showed unconditional love and acceptance to her family and all of the patients she worked with through the years. Joanne was totally devoted to her family and truly lived the life of, ""its better to give than to receive"" . Survivors include her husband, Fred; children, Roy (Mari) Mattocks, Roscoe, John (Dianna) Mattocks, Seymour, IN, Tim Mattocks, Rockford and Laura Roberts, Machesney Park; children by marriage; Kelly (Russ) Hunter, Rockford, Patrick (Leann) Speer, Rockton and Tim (Julia) Speer, Roscoe; 16 dearly loved grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Also survived by her sisters, Jean Fuller, Durand, Julie Ulrich, Rockford; brother, Jim (Gracie) Green, Copperopolis, CA.; mother-in-law, Jane Speer, Rockford and brother-in-law, Will (Susan) Speer, Saratoga, WY. Predeceased by her parents, sister, Laura (Dolly) Belter, son-in-law, John Roberts, grandson, Michael Mattocks, nephew, Michael Green, great nephew, Mark Walden, brothers-in-law, Robert Fuller and Paul Ulrich and her father-in-law, Roy Speer. Joannes family would like to give a special thank-you to the Northern Illinois Hospice & Grief Center staff, especially Rebecca and Pat. A memorial service will be held at noon on Saturday in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. with Rev. Dr. William Richard Kerr, Sr. officiating. Visitation from 9:30 a.m. until time of the service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Northern Illinois Hospice & Grief Center or Shriners Childrens Hospital.Condolences may be sent to the family at www.fitzgeraldfh.com