Molly (Mary Catherine) Phalen

Molly (Mary Catherine) Phalen was born on October 25, 1950, to John and Mary Phalen in Polo, Illinois. After graduating from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree she joined the noble ranks of being a teacher. After teaching a few years, she knew that real change needed to happen. As the fearless leader of the Rockford Education Association, she tirelessly advocated to improve the rights and working conditions for staff as well as keeping in mind the needs of all students for a quality education. In her role at the REA, she also served on the Illinois Education Association Board of Directors and was a trustee on the Teachers’ Retirement System. She championed many innovative programs and forged positive connections in Rockford and around the state.

There were so many facets to Molly’s life. Traveling around the world, forming friendships through scuba diving, serving on the Burpee Museum Board and having a cocktail with family and friends all gave her great joy. Always hopeful, she prayed for positive research strides toward better treatment or a cure for Parkinson’s Disease. Her Parkinson’s boxing buddies gave her strength to meet each day with hope and a positive attitude. To everyone who knew and grieve her, she lived by this advice: Do the best you can each day; you should make a difference. Do not ever give up; maybe you just need to find a different way to do something. Hug a child, a dear friend or a puppy; this will energize you to face life’s challenges. And please, vote for the democrat of your choice.

Molly is survived by her sister Stevie (Dudley) Andrew, and brother John (Steph) Phalen. She’s also survived by very special nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Also survived by friends all around the world and her sweet puppy, Mazie.

Instead of flowers, Molly requests donations to Burpee Museum of Natural History for the butterfly garden (burpee.org), Parkinson’s Foundation (Parkinson.org) or Serenity Home and Hospice (serenityhospiceandhome.org) where she was lovingly cared for in her final days.

A memorial mass will be held on October 21, 2023 at 11:00 am at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1010 Ferguson Street, Rockford, Illinois. Following the service, at 4:00 pm, Molly invites you to a celebration of her life at the Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 North Main Street, Rockford. Peace to her memory. Send condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com. The family was assisted by Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel.