Shirley A. Johnson

Shirley A. Johnson, 80, a Rockford resident, died at 6:45 p.m. Friday, September 12, 2008 at the home of her son in Peoria. Born September 22, 1927 in Rockford, daughter of Fred and Antoinette (Traina) Porcellotti. She was the owner of Shirleys Unique Boutique at Edgebrook Center. Shirley graduated from West High School Class of 46 and was chosen as Miss Rockford in 1947. She worked for a number of years at Marias Italian Cafa(c) and did modeling for both the Wagon Wheel and on WTVO-TV for Owens Clothing Store. Shirley was also active with the Rockford Civic Theater. Moving to Naples, FL in 1970, she owned and operated three retail boutiques and two Italian restaurants, the Neopolitan Villa North and East. There, she was a long time member of the Naples Players Theater Group where she won awards for both acting and set design. She went on to produce and direct the Naples annual Christmas Pageants. She also appeared in productions at Clock Tower Theater, Rockford and Rock Valley Colleges. As an artist, she worked in stained glass and was an award winning painter in both oil and water colors. Shirley made friends easily, enjoyed gardening and as of late became an avid NASCAR fan of Kyle Busch. Survivors include her sons, Ray (Lil) Novak, LasVegas, NV, Mark McEntee, Rockford and Stuart (Shari) Johnson, Peoria; grandchildren, Shannon, Mitchell, Alecia, Tianna, Holly, Quincy and Timothy; great grandsons Shaun and Kadin; sister Frances Sandberg, Cherry Valley. Predeceased by her parents and sister Olivia Anderson. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 26, 2008 in St. Anthony of Padua Church with the Franciscan Friars officiating. Visitation from 10:00 a.m. until time of the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to OSF Hospice, 2265 W. Altorfer, Peoria, IL. 61615. The family was assisted by Fitzgerald Funeral Home amp; Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.fitzgeraldfh.com