Mayrene "Mae" L. Embrey

Mayrene “Mae” Lillian Embrey, 82, of Rockford, passed away surrounded by family on February 15, 2024. She was born on January 5, 1942, in Palatine, Illinois, the daughter of Arthur Conrad and Gertrude Elizabeth (Karczewski) Schroeder. She graduated from Arlington High School, class of 1960. She married Frank A. Embrey Jr. on February 2, 1960, in Asheville, North Carolina.

Mae enjoyed sewing and gardening, but she got the most pleasure from her family. She loved the holidays and took great joy in making Christmas magic for all the children, no matter how old they were. The holidays also allowed her to indulge in her love of baking, with an entire day spent just making cookies with her daughters. She cherished the time spent with her grandchildren. She was a loving, sassy, and strong wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.

She is survived by her husband, Frank; children, David J. (Teri) Embrey, Dawn Embrey, Debbie (Robert) Kapelle, and Donna Norman; 8 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren. She is predeceased by her parents; sister, Lois (Clarence) Adams; and cousin, Carol Kopacz.

A visitation will be on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. with prayers at 5:45 p.m., at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road Rockford, Illinois 61108. Cremation rites have been accorded. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice in honor of Mae. Please share memories and condolences online at www.fitzgeraldfh.com