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Rita Cassioppi (Church)
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Deceased 2011
RITA M. CHURCH, 64 LOVING MOTHER ROCKFORD - Rita M. Church, 64, of Rockford died peacefully at 10:40 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011, in Rockford Memorial Hospital, surrounded by her loving family, after a long illness with a rare form of leukemia. Born Aug. 18, 1946, in Rockford, daughter of Anthony J. and Jeanette N. (Casalena) Cassioppi. Graduated from East High School in 1964 and received an associates degree from Rock Valley College. Married Frederick W. Church on Sept, 7, 1968, in Rockford. She was the office manager for her husband's group, Surgical Associates of Northern Illinois for more than 10 years. Member of Holy Family Catholic Church. She was a long-time active member of the Winnebago County Medical Society Auxiliary. Rita was a kind, fun-loving woman who made friends easily. One important part of her life was her longtime Birthday Group, special friends that got together often. She was filled with compassion and will always be remembered for her beautiful smile that came from within. She was an active volunteer in her children's school activities, including room mother and assistant Cub Scout leader. Rita was co-chair of the Boylan Fine Arts Booster Club and was greatly honored for her involvement by receiving the "Boylan Edge Award" in 2004. She was a dedicated wife and mother who held fast to her faith, family and friends. Survivors include her husband, Frederick W. Church, M.D.; daughter, Jennifer (Douglas) DuBrock; son, Joseph Church; grandchildren, Jessica, Jamie and Jodi DuBrock; sisters, Marie Mueller and Sylvia (Larry) Vogeler; uncle, Frank (Lucy) Cassioppi; mother-in-law, Eleanor Church; sister-in-law, Carole Peterson and brother-in-law, Robert (Rhonda) Church; her beloved nieces and nephews, Sarah Mueller, Anthony (Becca) Mueller, Neil (Miranda) Vogeler, Bill (Heidie) Peterson, Barry (Brett) Peterson and Caryn (Scott) Bayne; great-nephew, Isaac Mueller; aunts, uncles, cousins, including her special cousin, Cynthia (Skip) Vincer; and other loving family members and friends. Predeceased by her grandparents; parents; cousin, Jerry Casalena; and father-in-law, Fred Church Sr. A very special thank-you to Dr. Edwards, P.A. Rindt, and the nursing staffs at ACT Medical Group and Rockford Memorial Hospital Infusion Therapy and Oncology ward. Mass of Celebration at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 13, in Holy Family Catholic Church, with the Rev. Andrew Mulcahey officiating. Burial in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Road, with a Rosary to be recited at 7:30 p.m. Visitation also from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Thursday at the church. It was Rita's wish that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rock River Valley Blood Center either monetarily or by blood donations. Due to the many transfusions Rita received from anonymous donors, she realized that blood truly is the gift of life. Express condolences and memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.
Published in Rockford Register Star from January 11 to January 12, 2011
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