Mary Mildred McGarry

Mary Mildred “Millie” McGarry, 89, passed away in her hometown of Rockford, Illinois on Saturday, October 26, 2024. She was born on December 31, the last baby born in 1934; daughter to Harold and Romona (Creagan) Kennedy. After her father’s passing, she was raised and cared for by her mother Romona and her aunt, C. Loretta Creagan. She graduated from Bishop Muldoon High School class of 1952 and went on to graduate from Rockford Business School. It was there that she met the love of her life, John C. McGarry. They married on May 5, 1956, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Rockford and they enjoyed 35 years of marriage before his passing July 27, 1991. Along with being a devoted and loving wife and mother, she also worked as an accountant at Sunstone Company and later she dedicated 20 years to the Rockford School District and retired from their purchasing department in 2005. Millie and John raised four children and once their children started raising their own children, she earned the title “Cookie Grandma” for her love of making chocolate chip cookies and her wonderful pies. Fond memories for the grandchildren include dates to the movies or movies at home, being taught Kings Corners, and the simple love that came from spending time together. Millie took great pride in her Irish heritage and was proud that each of her children had red hair. She loved Irish music, enjoyed dancing, and always celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with the traditional Irish meal of corn beef, cabbage, potatoes and Soda Bread. She dutifully passed her love for Ireland onto her children and grandchildren. Millie kept in contact with her many friends from grade school through high school and helped organize class reunions. Once Millie moved to TLC Living Community, she continued to enjoy making friends with the residents and staff. She was an avid Bridge player, belonging to several card groups and enjoyed playing the piano. Millie’s faith was unshakable, and she was an active member of the Woman’s Guild at Holy Family Catholic Church and devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary; the family takes comfort in knowing that she is with her now.

Millie will be greatly missed by those who loved her most, her children Thomas (Nancy) McGarry, Catherine (Victor) McGarry-Klein, Michael (Natalie) McGarry, and E. John McGarry; her grandchildren John McGarry, Vanessa (Mark) Allen, Sean (LK) Klein, Nolan Klein, Liam McGarry, Declan McGarry, Caitlin (Brian) Corbitt, Adam (Erin) McGarry, and Meghan (Juan) Rodriguez; great grandchildren Jesse Allen, James and Juniper Klein, and Juanito Rodriguez; dear friends Ann Proudfoot and Carm Zammuto. She is predeceased by her husband John; her parents Harold and Romona; and her brother Thomas Kennedy.

A visitation will take place on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Funeral Mass, 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Rd, Rockford, IL 61107. Burial to follow at Arlington Memorial Park in Rockford. Memorials may be made to the Poor Clare's Monastery and Catholic Charities USA. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com