Roseann Welch

RoseAnn Welch, 90, a lifelong resident of Rockford, died at home on Friday, September 11, 2015, surrounded by her family. She was born in Rockford on January 26, 1925, to parents Norman T. and Anna M. Ambrose. RoseAnn attended Bishop Muldoon High School, graduating in 1942. She married her husband Robert F. Welch Sr. at St. Patrick Catholic Church on October 16, 1948. RoseAnn proudly served her country in the U.S. Women’s Army Corp from 1945 to 1946, during World War II. She was awarded the American Theater Ribbon, the Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Meritorious Unit Award for her service. RoseAnn also volunteered for many years at Provena St. Anne’s Center and was a member of the Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary.

RoseAnn is survived by her children, Thomas Welch of Naperville, IL, John C. (Bonnie) Welch of Rockford, and Marianne (Bill) Boykin of Grand Rapids, MI; grandchildren, Kevin Welch of Sandwich, IL, Katie (Bryan) Kaczmarek of Naperville, IL, Matthew F. (Hayley) Welch of Rockford, and Mark A. Welch of Rockford, Courtney (Jason) Myers-Keaton and Jamie (Jamie) Myers-Chivis, both of Grand Rapids, MI; sister-in-law, Eileen (James) Welch-Hoagland of Chicago; great grandchildren, Tanis,Aiden, Jacobi, Noah, Jedidiah, and Lucas.

She is predeceased by her parents, husband Bob Sr., son Bob Jr., daughter-in-law Patrice Welch, and two brothers.

Funeral Mass will be 11AM, Tuesday, September 15, 2015, at St. Rita Catholic Church, 6254 Valley Knoll Dr., Rockford, IL, 61109. Burial will be private and at a later date. Visitation will be 4:00 to 7PM, Monday, September 14, 2015, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL, 61108; with a recitation of the Rosary at 6:30PM. Visitation will continue on Tuesday at Church from 10AM until time of prayers at 10:45AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Provena St. Anne’s Pastoral Care Dept. Funeral arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel.