Rose Marie Virgili

Rose Virgili, 93, of Rockford, devoted Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister Aunt and Friend, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2020, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. She was born February 22, 1926, in Rockford, the daughter of Alfonso and Josephine (Amore) Nicosia. Rose married James Virgili in 1943, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Rockford. Rose was a beautiful, vibrant, and classy lady who loved her family and friends. She had a passion for flowers. Rose, along with her husband Jimmy, opened Al-Mar Florist in November 1943. Rose was a very talented floral designer that brought happiness and peace through her floral arrangements for over 75 years. She continued to work and direct the family business through December 2019. Rose was also a pioneer and model for women in business as she was named Woman of the Year by Southwest Business Association of Rockford. She was a member of St Anthony of Padua church, the Altar and Rosary Society, St Ambrose and Venetian Clubs. Rose is predeceased by her husband Jimmy, her daughter Sandi Bolster, her parents, her sister Angeline Zinna, her brothers Ross and Al Nicosia. Survivors include her daughters, Carol Paris, Barbara (Augie) Rizzo, and Jacki (Dan) Adams, her son-in-law Jack Bolster Sr.; her sister, Sara (Frank) Martorana; her grandchildren, Jim Paris, Jay (Shana) Paris, John (Carrie) Rizzo, Bobby (Nadia) Rizzo, Michael Rizzo, Jack (Abbey) Bolster Jr., Jacalyn Banks, Kaitlin Adams, and Nicholas Adams. 11 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and special friends.
Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 8, 2020, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 1010 Ferguson St. with the Franciscan Friars and Fr. Paul Lipinski officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday, January 7, 2020, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with prayers of the Holy Rosary beginning at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass. Memorials to the family. Arrangements entrusted to Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory. Share online condolences and memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.