Phyllis Mae Lee

We have a god that answers our prayers

Phyllis Mae Lee, 91, a devoted and faithful servant was received by the Lord peacefully in her sleep on October 6, 2024. She was born on May 1, 1933, in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, daughter to Anthony and Grace (Wall) Mezera. She wed her beloved husband, William “Bill” Lee in St. John Church in Prairie du Chien on April 18, 1953. They shared 57 years of marriage before his passing in April of 2011. Phyllis celebrated significant accomplishments, like hiking the Appalachian Trail as a Girl Scout leader and earning the esteemed Marian Medal Award. Her active involvement with the University of Illinois Extension-Winnebago County showcased her passion for education and community enrichment. Her commitment to service extended to guiding young hearts as she taught elementary children how to craft corn husk dolls. Phyllis's hobbies were a rich tapestry of activities. She nurtured friendships through her warm smile and welcoming heart, often seen enjoying companionship at church. Her dedication to her community and faith stood as a beacon for those who knew her. As a charter member of St. Bernadette Catholic Church, Phyllis's contributions were numerous. She lent her voice to the choir, presided over the Ladies of St. Bernadette, and was recognized as the Catholic Woman of the Year in 2012. Phyllis dedicated many fulfilling years to working in the Rockford area at Sunstrand, and Amerock. Her professional career also extended into her talents as a seamstress and upholsterer, taking pride in creating beautiful pieces that blended functionality with artistry for her family and friends. With a heart warmed by the love for her family, she was an incredible mother and grandmother, devoting her time to supporting her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

 She will be missed by those who loved her most, her children Mark (Patty). Stephen, Scot (Suzanne), Mona (Patrick Casey) Thornton and Tim Lee; her grandchildren Elaina (Jay) Kohr, Ellenie (Adam) Palmer, Erica (Alex) Will, Kristin (Sisto Perciballe) Lee, William Lee, Amy (Jesus Garcia) Burks, Audrey (Andy) Lawens, Daniel Thornton, and Ian (Shayla Armstrong) Thornton; her great grandchildren Brooklyn and Tommie Kohr, Mya, Ezra and Noah Palmer, Alix, Iris Garcia, and Angus Burks, Grace and Robert Clark; her sister Therese Hromadka and numerous nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed by her buddy Oberon “Obi” and the neighborhood black and white cat she dedicated a lot of affection to. She is predeceased by her husband, Bill; her parents Anthony and Grace; her siblings Margaret (Frances) Arado, Aelred “Hop” (Maria) Mezera, Anne Mezera, and Sylvester Mezera. A very special thank you to her caring buddies at St. Bernadette who were there for her, and to Rich Tassoni, a godsend of a neighbor that cared for Phyllis and brought her family so much peace knowing he was right next door.

A visitation will take place on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until the Mass of Chirstian Burial, 11:00 a.m. at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 2400 Bell Avenue, Rockford, Illinois, 61103. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to be established at a later date. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com