Margarete "Marge" Gorman

Margarete (Marge) Gorman, 84, died peacefully after a tenacious battle with Alzheimer’s disease. While this disease steals memories, Marge remained engaged with her family and the loving and supportive caretakers at Pinecrest Terrace in Mount Morris where she lived for the past 18 months. Not one for Bingo or crafting, she spent her days caring for the many “babies” entrusted to her, and only occasionally put them in drawers if they gave her too much trouble. Prior to her time at Pinecrest, Marge spent many happy hours in her garden, pulling weeds at Klehm Arboretum and as a docent at Anderson Gardens. Exercise was another hobby and Marge could often be found doing a quick 5 miles on the Sinnissippi bike path, taking a water aerobics class at the Y, or walking the neighborhood. She loved spending time with her family and particularly enjoyed sharing her love of music and theater with her grandchildren. She was able to attend many shows and events while volunteering as an usher at the Coronado Theatre. Margie also enjoyed traveling and was fortunate to be able to return to Germany several times to visit family and friends. Marge worked at JCPenneys for many years sharing her sense of style and advice with many grateful customers.
Born May 2, 1934 in Stuttgart, Germany, the daughter of Karl & Berta (Wörner) Krieg, she moved to Rockford in 1957 to marry Robert Gorman where they raised their four children. The gang was given a course in nature appreciation through trips to Deer Park, picnics, and walks in forest preserves. She valued hard work, commitment and perseverance. She made sure that her children excelled academically and was proud of the fact that they all graduated from college with advanced degrees.
Survivors include children, Sylvia (Steve Hodges) Gorman, Patti (Jeff) Ludwig, Steve (Sherry) Gorman and Michael (Patrick Patterson) Gorman; grandchildren Caitlin (Adam) Pusateri, Nick (Tara) Ludwig, Elizabeth Ludwig, Mallory and Emily Gorman; great-grandchildren Remmer Ludwig and Marin Pusateri, who is expected to arrive in January; sister Maria (Erich) Enke and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents, husband, brother Karl Krieg, infant sister and nephew Hans-Peter Enke. Margie was the last living member of the “Greatest Generation of Gormans,” leaving the current generation to carry on the traditions they established.
Visitation will be from 1:00 to 3:00pm Sunday, December 16, 2018 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 3910 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, IL 61103. A graveside service will be held at Calvary Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum, at 11:00 am on Monday, December 17, 2018. In lieu of flowers memorials can be sent to Alzheimer’s Association, Pinecrest Terrace, or Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 3910 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, IL 61103. – send online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.