Patricia B. Roper

Patricia B. RoperLoving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother Patricia B. Roper, 92, a lifetime resident of Rockford, went to be with the Lord on October 3, 2009 surrounded by her family.  Patricia was born December 29, 1916 in Rockford the daughter of Charles and Mary Paulikitis.  Patricia married Francis Roper on October 7, 1939 at Sts Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Rockford. Patricia graduated from Rockford Central High School and worked at BZB Knitting, Smith Oil Company and retired from Smith Goodyear in 1981.  She was an avid gardener and member of Cathedral of St. Peter and the St. Peter Ladies Auxiliary. Patricia is survived by her daughter, Janet (Robert) Bursiek; daughter-in-law, Martha Roper; grandchildren, Kathryn (Kevin) Glen, of Chicago, Mary (Nick) Catizone, of Chicago, and Annie (Ray) Tower, of Wauwatosa, WI; great-grandchildren, Grace and Charlotte Glen, and nieces and nephews.  Patricia was predeceased by her parents, husband, Francis (June 6, 1983 son Raymond Roper; sisters, Frances Brazis and Della Ring, brother, Peter Paulkitis, and sister-in-law, Betty Paulkitis.  A special thank you to Transitions Hospice and LifeHOUSE the Atrium for their kind and compassionate care given to Patricia. Memorial mass will be celebrated on Friday, October 9, 2009 at 10:00 A.M. at Cathedral of St. Peter, 1243 N. Church St., with Rev. Msgr. Thomas Dzielak officiating.  Memorial visitation will be from 9 9:45 A.M. at the church.  Burial will be in Calvary Catholic Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rock River Valley Pantry, 1080 Short Elm St, Rockford, IL 61102.  Family and friends may