Martha W. Taxon Mott "Bitsy"

Martha W. Taxon Mott, “Bitsy”, was born May 28, 1944, at Swedish American Hospital in Rockford, IL. Shortly after birth she was chosen to be a truly loved daughter by Philip L. and Genevieve Taxon. Her daughter and dearest friend had the honor of being by her side as she joined her husband and son, in heaven, on April 14, 2022
Bitsy grew up in Rockford and graduated from West High School in 1962. In high school she was a respected member of the ROTC and earned the title of Expert Marksman.
After graduation she attended Northwestern University and then the University of Northern Colorado.
During her time in Colorado, she was blessed with two children and returned with them to Rockford, to help run the family business, Taxon Heating Company.
In 1975 Bitsy was reunited with her childhood crush, Richard M. Mott Jr., and he became the love of her life. They were married in October 1975 at Court Street United Methodist Church. Richard and Bitsy had a wonderful life, and their love grew when he adopted her two children in 1978. He predeceased her in September 1988.
Bitsy was a powerful business woman in Rockford. She was President and CEO of Winnebago Title Company, Bimica Investments, Inc and Andrews Charles Mortgage Company. She also was a part of many local charities including Crusader Health Foundation, Rocvale Children’s Home, Rosecrance, and Gateway Community Center. Over the years she was also a member of Alpha Phi Sorority, The Women’s Club of Rockford, Rockford Country Club, Mau-Nah-Tee See Country Club, The University Club, and the Junior League of Rockford.
With a love of adventure, Bitsy traveled the world and was fortunate enough to gather stamps from over 150 countries in her passport. There was never a place she didn’t want to see. Many of her favorite places were seen with her husband Clayton, (who predeceased her in October 2000) and her very dear friend, Karin Emery.
Later in life, Bitsy was able to find and learn about her biological siblings. She was curious about her newfound family, but due to her illness, could only meet one. Her new family included Eileen (Dale) Mcbain, Kathleen (Norman) Haferkamp, Bud Steckline, Daniel (Laura) McCann, Robert McCann, Michael (Katherine) McCann, Pat (Sharon) McCann, Regina (Steve) Osley, Sally (Jim) Kramas, Teresa Linthicum, and Mary Ellen (Tony) Bonvino.
Those left to remember her are her daughter, Catherine (Dr. David) Rydberg, her granddaughter, Emma (Dallin) Kephart, twin grandsons, Michael T. Bachman and PFC Charles D. Bachman, along with several nieces, nephews, sisters in law and cousins. She is also survived by her dearest friends, Karin and John Emery, Kevin Weller, Rob and Irene Berman and John and Liz Sturm. So many more friends will remember her with love and laughter.
Those she joins in heaven include her husband, Richard M. Mott Jr, her parents, Philip and Genevieve, her sister, Rosalind Allard, and her son, Michael T. Mott.
The family would like to thank those who cared for Bitsy these last months including Karen Ferguson, the staff at the Swedish American Cancer Care Center, Megan her favorite MA, Dan and Leroy, from the lab, who kept her laughing, Heather Hartman and Alyssa from Transitions Hospice, John from Comfort Keepers, Teri and Shelly caregiver gifts from above, the staff at The Mayo Clinic Oncology floor and those that expressed love and care these last months. We would also like to thank Dr. Wolinski-Spinner from the Mayo Clinic and Dr. Mardini from Swedish American who fought as hard as she did.
In lieu of flowers the family does request that you share love with the Swedish American Cancer Center, Memorial for Martha W. Mott, 3535 Bell School Road, Rockford, IL 61114
The Mayo Clinic, Gift in Memory of Martha W. Mott, c/o John Murphy, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905 Family and friends can also make a donation by phone to 1-855-852-8129
Or to a charity of your choice

Services will be held at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory. Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd.
Visitation Saturday April 23, 2022 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Visitation Sunday April 24, 2022 from 11:00 to 11:30 am
Service at 11:30 a.m.

Burial will be private