Mary E Black

Mary Esther Black-88 Rockford
Mary Esther Black, 88 of Rockford, passed away January 27, 2015 at Wesley Willows. Born February 20, 1926, in Rockford, Illinois, daughter of George and Edith (Smith) Black. Mary resided 64 years on the George Black Farm on Tate Road, moving to Wesley Willows in 2004.
Mary lived in Rockford all her life. She was employed as an Executive Secretary to the President of W. F. & John Barnes Company and later at Ipsen Industries in the same capacity. At one time, Mary held a top secret National Security Clearance.
She loved the out of doors and the country and all of her spare time was spent with flowers, gardening, and quilting. She was a member of Court Street United Methodist Church for over 50 years. She was very active in the W. F. Barnes Retirement Group.
Survivors include niece Kathryn M. (David) Smith of South Lyon, MI, and nephews, David W. (Bonnie) Black of Martinez, GA, Carleton R. (Barbara) Black of Ravenna, MI, Lowell G. (Jodie) Black of Chesterton, IN, Robert G. (Joyce) Black of Ora Valley, AZ and several grand nieces and nephews. Also, several very special cousins, including Thomas and Kay Glenny of Rockford, IL. Predeceased by her parents, two brothers Robert and Warren, and their wives.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the nurses and aides at Wesley Willows and to the VNA Hospice for all their care and support.
Memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, February 7, 2015, with the Rev. Lowell Black and Rev. Carleton Black officiating, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave., with burial at Willwood Cemetery. Visitation will be 10:00 am until time of service. Cremation rights have been accorded. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that memorial gifts be sent to the Wesley Willows Good Samaritan Fund, 4141 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, IL 61103 or to VNA Hospice, 4223 E. State Street Rockford, IL 61108. Arrangement by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 3910 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, IL 61103. - Express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com