Rose M. Demarco Ferruggia

Rose M. DeMarco Ferruggia, age 94, of Bayfield, WI, formerly of Rockford, IL, passed away Friday, April 30, 2010 at the home of her youngest daughter in Bayfield, WI. She was born March 1, 1916 in Rockford, IL the daughter of Jack & Ann DeMarco. On June 30, 1940 she married Sam J. Ferruggia in Rockford, IL. Her loving husband of 69 years preceded her in death on March 4, 2009. Rose was a visionary, a woman not only of her time, but of all times. At a young age she became a master seamstress while working at Shan House in Rockford, IL. During her time there she greatly contributed to the development of many innovative sewing techniques. After her marriage to her husband and the birth of their three children, Rose became a highly skilled homemaker and matriarch. Through sewing, cooking & handcrafts she lovingly led her family and instilled in them a work ethic and passion for life that will be carried on for generations. Rose left an imprint on the hearts of all she knew and loved. Her family will be forever grateful for the beautiful gifts she has given them. She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Rockford, IL and a member and past president of the Womens Catholic Order of Foresters. Roses legacy lives on in her three children, Joann (Mitchell) Snyderman of Bakersville, NC, Louis (Mary Ann) Ferruggia of Rockford, IL & Deborah (Steven) Boulley of Bayfield, WI; six grandchildren, Annamaria (Sean) Mullin, Jennifer, Joseph & Andrea Boulley, Holly Snyderman & Lisa (Cody) Ledford; four great-grandchildren, Ian, Hayden, Mary Alice & Gloria Rose Marie; sister-in-law, Josephine Provasi of CA; nieces, nephews, cousins & other relatives. Rose was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; a brother, Samuel DeMarco; three sisters, Angeline Marotta, Josephine Basile & Vanie Marinelli; two sisters-in-law, Mary Ferruggia & Theresa Pinzarrone; a brother-in-law, Frank Ferruggia. A special thank you goes out to Roses most cherished companion, friend and CNA caregiver, Edith Duffy and caregivers Estelle VinZant & Trisha Livingston. A Mass and memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, May 8, 2010 at 1:00pm at Holy Family Catholic Church in Rockford, IL. Visitation from 12pm until time of service in the church.