Margaret "Maggie" M. Rudolph

Margaret “Maggie” M. Rudolph, 37, of Cherry Valley, IL passed away surrounded by family and friends on Friday, March 12, 2021, losing a courageous battle with breast cancer. She was born June 30, 1983 in Rockford, IL the daughter to Ronald and Paula (Sanders) Rudolph, lovingly referred to as their “sweet one”. Maggie attended Jefferson High School graduating in 2001 and went on to earn her Associates Degree from Rock Valley Jr. College. Maggie worked as a bartender at numerous local establishments including Jax Pub, Buster’s and most recently, Stumpy’s, whereby she created a familial environment for all those who walked through the doors. Maggie was a beautiful soul that lit up the room with her dynamic smile and contagious laugh. She never met a stranger and was that friend that brought out the best in you. She was known for empowering her female friends to be courageous, comfortable in their own skin and unapologetically strong. Maggie enjoyed going on “adventures”, especially her annual trip to Panama City Beach with a layover on the return trip in Nashville because she never wanted the adventure (or music) to end. Maggie loved concerts, annually attending Milwaukee Summerfest and Country Thunder. She always threw parties in the Rudolph family home including her legendary slip-n-slide parties, each with the sole intention of bringing her loved ones together to celebrate life and each other. Maggie guaranteed a good time with a special ability to make all those around her feel included and comfortable. She will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her and through her acts of love towards others, an entire community was changed for the better.
Maggie is survived by her parents, Ron and Paula “Polly” Rudolph; siblings, Brian (Gabriela Demos) Rudolph and Ann Rudolph; grandfather, Gerald Rudolph; significant other, Brandon Boyd; furry companion, Gunnar the family German Shepherd; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Predeceased by her grandparents, Catherine Rudolph, John and Joan Sanders. The family deeply wishes to thank Maggie’s support system, too many to name.
Please join the family for cocktails and remembrance Thursday, March 18, 2021 from 6:00 – 9:00 P.M. at Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Rd, Rockford, IL 61114. A walk-through visitation will be held Friday, March 19, 2021 from 9:00 – 11:00 A.M. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd, followed by burial at Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery. Masks and social distancing are required. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the “Margaret M. Rudolph Trust”, which together with the “Maggie Strong” shirt sales and the Maggie Strong Charitable Golf Outing, to follow in September of this year, will benefit breast cancer research and local charities. To share condolences please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.