Mary W. Doerr

Mary W. Doerr, 93, Rockford, died peacefully and went home to be with her Lord on Monday, February 11, 2019, with family at her bedside. Mary was born in Benton, IL on October 17, 1925, to Robert R. and Terzie I. (Kirkpatrick)) Ward. She married Robert S. Doerr on December 25, 1946, and together they had 5 children; Barb (Jack) Hansen, Lynn (Bill) Johnson, Dave (Pam) Doerr, Rob Doerr, and Patti (Al) Lashock. She was so fortunate to have been blessed with 11 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. Mary had 3 brothers, Bill (Katie) Ward, Roy (Helen) Ward, and Bud (Ginny) Ward, and 2 sisters, Sis (Webb) Johnson and Sue (Charles) McCollum, along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, and a granddaughter, Jodi Geddes. After attaining her Bachelor’s degree in Education from the National College of Education, Mary began her passion of teaching for 30 years, starting out as a kindergarten teacher in Benton, IL. After moving to Rockford and later attaining her Master’s degree, she began working with children in Special Education, finally retiring in 1984. Mary found enjoyment in cooking, especially cooking for others, sewing, flower gardening, and furniture refinishing, but most of all spending time with all her family. She was devoted to her faith and was an avid student of the Bible, writing many papers and leading Bible studies that touched peoples’ lives. She attended First Assembly of God Church for many years where she was a leader in the Divorce Recovery workshop and a singles group. In later years she attended Christ United Methodist Church, Alpine Center. The family would like to acknowledge and thank all her caregivers at the Bickford House where she lived and to Heartland Hospice for their wonderful expertise and loving care given to our mom for the past 2 years. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, February 23, 2019, at Christ United Methodist Church, Alpine Center, 4905 Highcrest Rd. Rockford with Reverend Jane Eesley officiating. Burial at Willwood Burial Park. Visitation will be from 9:30 AM. Until 10:45 A.M. on Saturday at the church. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorials be made to Christ United Methodist Church.