Susie Duke-Walsh

Susie Duke Walsh, 63, of Rockford, formerly of Golden, CO, passed away surrounded by her family on Monday, May 16, 2016. She was born on October 16, 1952 in Chicago, the daughter of James and Betty (Delaney) Duke. She relocated to Golden, CO, where she met the love of her life, John Walsh. The two married on August 16, 1985. The couple moved to Rockford in 1990. For the past 20 years Susie has worked in the Rockford Public Schools as a Special Needs Paraprofessional. She was a warm and caring person, always placing others before herself. Her generosity and compassion will be greatly missed. She was a loving wife, dear mother, amazing sister, and wonderful friend.
She is survived by her husband, John Walsh; her daughter, Caitlin Walsh; her siblings, Steve (Nina) Duke, Jim Duke, and Kathy (Kevin) Connors; her mother in-law, Mary Fairman; her sisters in-law, Theresa Walsh, Susie Stagg and her brother-in-law Doug Walsh; her beloved Arthur, Buddy, and Sophia; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She is predeceased by her parents.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 19, 2016, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Riverside Chapel. A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until time of service. Per Susie’s wishes, a private family celebration will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2016 as previously planned. Inurnment private. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Guiding Eyes for the Blind, in Susie’s honor, appreciated.