Barbara J. Cantu

Barbara J. Cantu, 59, of Rockford passed away Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center.Born March 26, 1953 in Hazel Green, Wisconsin, the daughter of Romaine and Phyllis (Northcraft) Smith.Barbara married Jesse Cantu on May 2, 1970. She worked at the United States Post Office in Rockford for 28 years, until she retired in 2008.She was a member of St. Edwards Catholic Church.Barbara enjoyed cheering on and watching her children and grandchildren play sports.She loved visiting different casinos and taking trips with her sisters to Las Vegas.Being outdoors, gardening with her husband, feeding the birds and squirrels in the backyard were a few of her fun and relaxing hobbies.Survived by her husband of 42 years, Jesse; daughters, Annette (Charlie) Jones of Roscoe, Diane (Danny) Woltman of Effingham and Sheila (Fred) Zuroske of Loves Park; grandchildren, Whitney and Lauren Jones, Meghan and Jenna Woltman, Jared Cantu,Miranda, Cooper and Rylan Zuroske; brothers, Ronnie (Pat) Smith, Romaine (Brenda) Smith, Roger Smith (Myrtle), Rodney Smith, Douglas Smith (Linda sisters, Kay (Steve) Renner Ehlers, Phyllis (Larry) Jones, Ruth Ann Smith, Mildred (Kurt) Kirchner; sisterinlaw, Mary Gill Smith.Predeceased by her parents, and brother, Robert Smith.A special thanks to the staff at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center, especially the CCU, Dr. Carter, Dr. Hanif, Dr. Norem and Dr. Sliva from the Rockford Spine Center, and Dr. Hogarth at the University of Chicago Hospital.Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 25, 2012 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd.Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Monday at the funeral home. Burial in Arlington Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the family, who will divide it among several organizations which helped Barbara.