Rosemary Handel Geraghty

ROSEMARY HANDEL GERAGHTY, 86nbsp;nbsp;
Rosemary Handel Geraghty, 86, Rockford, died at 9:57 a.m. Wednesday, August 8, 2007nbsp; in her home surrounded by her family following a short illness.nbsp; Born July 8, 1921 in Savanna, IL, the daughter of Frank and Lena Schunder Handel.nbsp; The family moved to Rockford in 1929.nbsp; Attended Muldoon High School, graduated from Rockford Central High School and St. Anthony School of Nursing, continuing her education at the University of Illinois.nbsp; Married Joseph T. Geraghty, Jr. on September 16, 1950.nbsp; Rosemary was a VNA visiting nurse for many years.nbsp; She also worked along with her husband in many ventures including Midway Sales and Geraghty Industrial Equipment.nbsp; Rosemary helped establish the gift shop at Provena St. Anne Center, volunteered at Midway Village Museum, the St. Patrick Food Pantry and was on the board of Rockvale Childrens Home.nbsp; She also helped establish the library at St. Bridget School, was a benefactor to many students at the Cathedral of St. Peter and several other charities.nbsp; Rosemary was a parishioner of Holy Family Church.nbsp; nbsp; Survivors include her husband of 56 years, Joseph T. Geraghty, Jr; son, Joseph T. (Jeanette) Geraghty, III; grandchildren, Todd and Tina Geraghty all of Rockford; sisters, Janet Campbell, Rockford and Cherrie (Ralph) Grimes, Scottsdale, AZ; sisters-in-law, Ann Geraghty, Rockford and Phyllis Geraghty, Florida.nbsp; Also survived by several beloved nieces and nephews who were all deeply touched by her love.nbsp; Predeceased by her parents, sister, Natalie Redmond, brothers, Bernard Handel and Jason Handel.nbsp; The family would like to thank OSF St. Anthony Hospice and a special thank you to Victoria Ciceri for all the special care given to Rosemary. nbsp; A funeral mass will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 14, 2007 in Holy Family Catholic Church with Rev. Msgr. Thomas E. Bales officiating.nbsp; Visitation from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m on Monday in Fitzgerald Funeral Home amp; Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd, with a Rosary to be recited at 7:15 p.m.nbsp; A visitation will also be held from 11:30 a.m. until time of the funeral mass at the church on Tuesday.nbsp; Memorials may be made to OSF St. Anthony School of Nursing or to the Cathedral of St. Peter School. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;