Rosemary Faber

Rosemary Faber passed away on December 12, 2023 at age 99 years, 3 months and 6 days. She made every day count, and in her final act, she was surrounded by her loving husband of nearly 75 years, Ted; her sons, Peter (Candice) Faber of Shallotte, North Carolina and John (Gail) Faber of Lake Summerset; her daughter, Sally (Dana Williams) Faber of Lake Barrington; her grandchildren, Adam (Fred Zhu) Faber, Susan (Seyed) Khadem, Katherine Williams and Jack (fiancé, Alayna Barraza) Williams; She is remembered by her great-grandson, Hayden Khadem; many nieces and nephews.

Rosemary was born in the small town of Mayville, Wisconsin on September 6, 1924. Despite her quiet family’s nature, Rosemary was always ready to make a little noise and have an adventure. In school, she earned notes “whispers too much,” on her report card, along with good marks. She went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from the University of Wisconsin between learning how to have a great celebration, making mischief at the Badger Tavern, and meeting her one true love, Ted Faber.

Rosemary married Ted on June 18, 1949. They made a beautiful home together in South Bend, Indiana. Rosemary was always making things at the sewing machine, and Ted in his woodshop. In 1974, they moved the family to Rockford, Illinois where they would spend the rest of their professional and retired years.

In her mid-life years and while working full time she earned her Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Illinois, ultimately providing care for hundreds of school-age children and their families, all while raising kids of her own.

Between her creative endeavors (sewing, knitting, needlepoint, singing), she enjoyed riding her bike, visiting their homes at Magician Lake and in Naples, Florida, exploring European villages, or hosting a great party where many “cheers” were in order.

She touched so many lives - whether through her compassionate career, her generous volunteerism, her many adoring family members, or as the life of the party. She will be missed by many and survived by all who understood her zest for life.

Special thanks to those who cared for Rosemary at Wesley Willows/Kirk’s Place Memory Care, kept her in prayer at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, and held her hand during her final moments as her nurse (Heartland Hospice) or her close friend (Jane Johnson). Her family looks forward to one last Hurrah or Celebration of Life, come this spring. In the meantime, hug your loved ones close, and raise a glass to everyone’s favorite party girl, Rosemary.

Cheers to 99 years!

Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory assisted the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wesley Willows Wesley Willows Good Samaritan Fund, Our Savior's Lutheran Church or Heartland Hospice, 6000 E. State St., Rockford IL 61108. Please make checks out to “Gentiva Foundation.”

Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.