Marie Hilliard

Marie Hilliard, 71,

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Rockford Marie Hilliard, 71 of Rockford, passed away on Thursday, November 5, 2009 comfortably at home surrounded by her family. Marie was born in Rockford October 12, 1938 to Frank and Mary (Giovingo) Armato. Graduated from St. Anthony School in 1953 and Rockford West High School in 1957. Married John Hilliard in Rockford on October 15, 1960. Marie owned and operated Hilliards Family Bakery with her husband, then went on to work at SwedishAmerican Hospital, St. Annes Center, Hilander Foods and Boylan Central Catholic High School. Member of the Verdi Club and very much enjoyed her bingo games, playing bocce, bowling and attending her grandchildrens events, especially sporting events. Marie especially enjoyed going to the boats and casinos with her sisters and brother, and was a lifelong Pittsburgh sports fan.

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Survivors; daughters, Kay (Dave) Rumple, Sue (Rick) Loos; son, John (Renata) Hilliard Jr.; grandchildren Heather and Dustin Rumple, Gayle and Erin McMullen, and Jonathan Hilliard III.; great-granddaughter Mea; sister, Rose Philips; sisters-in-laws Delores (Donald) Krueger and Carol (Roy) McAllister, her special friends at Christian Life Retirement Center on Sunset Terrace, numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins. Predeceased by parents, husband John, sisters Catherine Picchi, Lena Dal Fratello, Marge Rum and Brother Alex Armato.

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Funeral Mass 10 a.m. Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 600 Clifford Avenue with Father Burt H. Absalon. Entombment in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. with a Rosary at 6:30 p.m. Monday, November 9, 2009 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home amp; Crematory (Mulford Chapel) 1860 S. Mulford Road. Express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com .