Mary (Cuppini) Mikkelsen

Mary Lorraine (Cuppini)nbsp; Mikkelsen, 86, of Rockford, passed away on January 13, after a brief illness. Born August 21, 1921 in Dixon, the daughter of Orville and Rebecca (McDermott) Egler. She married Earl Cuppini who preceded her in death in 1967, later married Ivan Mikkelsen in 1971.nbsp; Lorraine was a bright, independant woman ahead of her time. After the death of her husband Earl, she movednbsp; with her daughter to Kailua, Kona, Hawaii, where she managed two hotel gift shops fornbsp; twelve years.nbsp; She also lived in California and Colorado and was an extensive traveler with a wonderful personality who made friends wherever she went. Her personal motto was Shop till you drop! . Lorraine was very proud of her brother Robert, a menber of the elite Lt. Roys Raiders in the Pacific theater during WWII.nbsp; He was killed in the Philippines afternbsp; many battles and heroics, receivingnbsp; the Purple Heart and Silver Star. Lorraines patriotism was apparent to all and she was an avid reader and history buff,nbsp; who was always ready to debate politics and current affairs.nbsp; The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Northwoods for their compassionate and caring support, nurses and staff at Swedish American Hospital and her very special Nurses and CNAs at Rockford Supportive Living and Heritage Woods. A special thank you to Melissa Rub,nbsp; and Dr. Rose Stocker. Survivors include her daughter; Candice (Jim Hogan) Miller; husband, Ivan Mikkelsen; sisters, Margaret Palmeri and Julia Ann Nelson; brothers, William Egler and Joe (Carole) Egler; and numerous nieces and nephews. nbsp;Preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Robert L. Egler. nbsp;Inurnment will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, January 19, 2008 at Calvary Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum. Fitzgerald Funeral Home amp; Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, ILnbsp; 61108 assisted the family. Please extend online condolences at: www.fitzgeraldfh.com