Paula Mary Burwell

Paula Mary Burwell, 62, Cherry Valley, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 31, 2010, in SwedishAmerican Hospital after a sudden illness.nbsp; She was born February 4, 1948, in Beloit, Wisconsin, the daughter of Raymond and Helen (Callahan) Pierson.nbsp; Paula was a 1966 graduate of Craig High School in Janesville, Wisconsin. She married Steve Burwell on July 29, 1972, at the Rockford Speedway. After their marriage, she and Steve lived in Madison for 1 year and Janesville for 11 years and in the Rockford area for the last 27 years. Paula worked for Kohls food stores in Madison andnbsp; Janesville for 16 years and later at the Capri Restaurant in Rockford as a server for over 25 years.nbsp;nbsp; Her lifelong love of cars led her to race at several tracks in the Madison and Rockford area and she was the first woman to race in the mens division at the Rockford Speedway.nbsp;nbsp; Paula was a long time dog lover, enjoyed traveling the world aboard cruise ships and discovered golf in her later years.nbsp; She was an avid volunteer, particularly in the Rockford schools.nbsp;nbsp; Loved by her family, friends, and customers at Capri Restaurant, Paula was known for her generosity, loyalty, and homemade desserts.nbsp;
Survived by her husband, Steve, son, Brett (Julie sister, Mary Ellen Lundeberg; foster mother, Ruth Schultz; five foster siblings; a loving, large extended family and many, many friends.nbsp; Predeceased by her parents; sister, Rae Marie Zittlow; and brother, James Pierson.
Funeral service will be 10am, Thursday, January 6, 2011, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61108 with Reverend Dean Parker officiating.nbsp; Burial in Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery.nbsp; Visitation from 5pm until 8pm Wednesday, January 5, 2011, at the funeral home and from 9am until service time on Thursday.nbsp; Memorials to Noahs Ark Animal Sanctuary, 111 N. 1 st St, Rockford, Il. 61107.