Mary A. Amato

Mary A. Amato, 86, of Rockford passed away on Saturday, nbsp;July 21, 2007, at Provena Cor Mariae Center. Born January 21, 1921, in Rockford, the daughter of Phillip and Bessie (Cascio) Cacciatore. She graduated in 1938 from Bishop Muldoon High School. Married Samuel J. Amato on January 28, 1940, in Rockford, and celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary in 2006. He passed away on June 18, 2006, in Rockford. Mary was a homemaker and member of St. Peters Cathedral Church. She cared deeply for her family and put others before herself. Through her good example she taught her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to have a strong faith in God, the meaning and value of family, and to have respect for others. Mary was an excellent cook. At family dinners Mary always prepared delicious meals and set the table with love and warmth. These gatherings cemented family bonds and built unforgettably good family memories. Survivors include her daughter Prudence (William) McKenzie, son Manny (Madeline) Amato, grandchildren, Thomas (Paula) McKenzie, James (Nicole) McKenzie, Amy Amato, and Maria Amato, great-grandchildren Alexander and Emily McKenzie, and special sister-in-law Velma Patton. Predeceased by her parents, and her brothers Stephen S. Cacciatore and Vito Cacciatore. A special thank you to the staff at Provena Cor Mariae Center for the loving care they provided Mary.Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, nbsp;July 25, 2007, at St. Peters Cathedral, 1243 N. Church Street, Rockford, IL 61103, with Reverend Kenneth Waselewski officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 10AM to11AM at the church. Entombment in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Chapel of Peace.nbsp; Memorials may be made to Boylan Catholic High School.