Pauline L. Panozzo

Pauline L. Panozzo, 86, Rockford, passed away Wednesday, April 28, 2021. She was born January 5, 1935, in Rockford, the daughter of Fortunato and Domenica “Minnie” (Innanti) DeGrandis. She married Gino L. Panozzo in Rockford on October 6, 1954. He passed away on July 24, 2000. Pauline was an operator at Illinois Bell Telephone in Rockford for over 30 years. She is a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. Pauline was active in the Telephone Pioneers, the Venetian Club, and belonged to many birthday clubs. She loved spending time with her family, especially her only son and grandchildren. She was sweet, selfless, loving, and kind; she always put her family and friends before herself. Pauline was very active, enjoyed going out to eat, and loved having fun with family and friends. She also loved dancing, decaf coffee, and the occasional glass of prosecco. She was able to live in her home her whole life and lived alone the last 21 years after the passing of Gino. She was independent and able to drive up until her last year. Every Friday she looked forward to getting her hair done, followed by going to the buffet to eat and talk to family and friends for hours. She often wore scarfs over her head to keep her hair perfectly in place. Pauline enjoyed watching the Game Show Network at night – especially Family Feud – and enjoyed talking on the phone with family and friends. She had daily phone calls with her sisters until their passing and had phone calls daily with Michele, Maryann, Jennifer and Julie up until her last few days. Like all Italian women, she loved cooking for her family and made the best Sugo. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She enjoyed spending time with Michele on the weekends and attending her Special Olympic events. She was always there to root her and all of the other athletes on and was always the first to hug Michele after she won her awards. Pauline always looked forward to visiting Susan in Chicago. They would go out to eat, go shopping, and attend concerts and sporting events. Michele's nickname for Grandma is Snow White. Snow White will be deeply missed by everyone that knew her and will be in our thoughts daily. We know she is not suffering anymore and is in a better place.
Pauline is survived by her loving son, Mark Panozzo; her grandchildren, Michele Panozzo of Rockford and Susan Panozzo of Chicago; her sister, A. Maryann De Grandis; her sister-in-law, Josephine Panozzo; several nieces and nephews; her former daughter-in-law, Lu Ann Panozzo-Jones. Predeceased by her husband, Gino; her parents, Minnie and Fortunato; her sister, Pauline, who passed away at age 12; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Marina and Tony Panozzo; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Dolores (Emeric) Bedin, Grace (Jay) Thomas and Ange (Bob) Steffani; her brother-in-law, Joe Panozzo; her nephews, Angelo Panozzo, Billy Steffani, Thomas Parker, and James Mills.
Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 1010 Ferguson St. Rockford with Franciscan Friars officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. on Monday, May 10, 2021, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, followed by a private family Rosary. Masks are required and social distancing guidelines will be followed. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com. The family will make donations to the Rockford Red Hots Special Olympic team, NW ILL Special Olympics, and to other organizations that are important to the family in her name.