Shirley A. Gaspari

Shirley A. Gaspari, 79, proud, lifelong Rockford resident, died at 8:00 a.m. Thursday, July 3, 2008 in Provena Cor Mariae Center. Born August 5, 1928, daughter of John and Evelyn Gallagher Fitzgerald. Graduated from Muldoon High School in 1947. Married Joseph P. Gaspari in Rockford on February 14, 1953. He died August 31, 2007. Member of St. Bernadette Catholic Church where she had previously served as president of the Ladies of St. Bernadette for many years. She was a huge fan and supporter of Boylan Central Catholic High School. She loved to bake, knit and also did spinning. Shirley was proud of her Irish heritage, valued her many long-time friends and was completely devoted to her children and grandchildren. Survivors include her children, Michael (Marcia) Gaspari, Batavia, Marilyn (Richard) Ludwig, Joann (David) Liskey and Kathleen Christensen all of Rockford; grandchildren, Nicholas, Andrea, Jacquleen, Ryan, Annie, Jenna, Joe, Kevin, Mary and Noel. Also survived by her sister-in-law, Mary Lou (Max) Stewart, nieces, Laura (Paul) Ledwidge and Cheri (Brian) Luallen and nephew, William Stewart. Predeceased by her parents, husband, and her sister, Marilyn Fitzgerald. Shirleys family would like to thank all of her special care-givers at Provena Cor Mariae Center. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 7, 2008 in St. Bernadette Catholic Church with Rev. Daniel E. Peters officiating. Burial in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday in Fitzgerald Funeral Home amp; Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave. with a Rosary to be recited at 6:30 p.m. A visitation will also be held from 9:00 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. at the church on Monday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Northern Illinois Hospice amp; Grief Center, 4215 Newburg Rd. Rockford, IL. 61108 or to the family. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.