Mary Anne Webster

Mary Anne Webster, 92, of Rockford passed away Wednesday, January 15, 2014. Born in Rockford to Sam and Florence Ricardo on December 24, 1921, the daughter of Italian immigrants. Graduated as a Registered Nurse from St. Anthony School of Nursing in 1946. Soon after, she married the love of her life, a handsome, young staff sergeant, named Joe Webster, fresh out of six years of military service in the US Army Air Corp. Both being products of the "greatest generation," knew what hard work, love of God and country and devotion to each other was all about. Together they raised a family of five kids. Dad worked as a firefighter for the City of Rockford and mom as a nurse, most recently at Rockford Memorial Hospital. "Pop" passed away four years ago, they are together once again laid to rest beside each other on Earth and holding hands in the Heavenly Kingdom. Mom's passion was cooking. Due to her Italian heritage, she was a natural at it. She could take road kill and turn it into a meal fit for royalty. Everyone that knew her could attest to that. No one ever walked out the door without being fed. "Eat, eat" she would say. She led a full and happy life and was a devout Catholic.

Survived by her "kids," Nancy Daneau, Joseph Samual Webster, Jim (Sue) Webster, Mary Jo (Bruce) Nygren, Joanne (Don) Alexander and "adopted" daughter, Joyce Fricks; sister, Sandy Dobratz; very special niece, Florence (Steve) Carlson; 6 grandkids; 3 great-grandkids; best friends, Delores, Lucy, Loraine, Elizabeth and Teresa; dearest friend and caregiver, Pat. The family gives heartfelt thanks to East Bank Center, Transitions Hospice, Dr. Melinda Carter, Dr. Kara and therapists, Kealy, Terry and Sara.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 20, 2014 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Road, with Reverend William R. Wentink officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Monday at the funeral home. Burial in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. To express online condolences, please visit: www.fitzgeraldfh.com.