Marie A. Roman

Dr. Marie A. Roman, 53, Rockford, died at 3:15 a.m. in her home on Friday, May 1, 2009 as a result of an 8 year courageous battle with ALS. Born June 12, 1955 in Freeport, daughter of Alfred and Rita Walsh Bohn. Graduated from Boylan High School in 1973, received her bachelors degree in psychology from St. Norbert College and her Masters and Phd. in psychology from Northern Illinois University. She had been a professor at Rockford College, Concordia University, DePaul University and Northern Illinois University. She retired from the City of Rockford in 2002 as the Compensation and Benefits Manager. She was an active member of St. James Catholic Church where she had been involved in many aspects of the church, including the Home & School Board and was the recipient of the Catholic Woman of the Year Award from St. James Church. She had been a Girl Scout Leader, a board member of Big Brothers/Big Sisters, a member and instructor at the Rockford YMCA and the Regional Ombudsman for the Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve. Marie was a kind hearted, outgoing woman with a great sense of humor. She had a special love for animals and was a wonderful cook and loved baking. She had a deep passion for the education and research of finding a cure for ALS. Survivors include her children, Melissa (Zachary Fredman) Roman, Chicago, Margaret Roman, Rockford, Captain David F. Roman, Jr., U.S. Army, presently stationed in Iraq and Anthony Roman, Rockford; grandson, Roman McMahon; sister, Noreen (David) Rufh, Rockford, brother, Mark Bohn, Colorado; several nieces and nephews and her former husband and friend, David F. Roman, Sr. Predeceased by her parents, brother, Chris Bohn and her special pets, Lillian and Melrose. Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 6, 2009 in St. James Catholic Church with Rev. Dean Russell officiating. Burial in Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Sycamore. Visitation from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. with a Rosary to be recited at 7:30 p.m. Visitation also from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday in the church. Memorials may be made to the Les Turner ALS Foundation, 5550 W. Touhy Ave, Ste. 302, Skokie, IL. 60007-3254. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.