Carol Jean Norregaard

Carol Jean Norregaard, 78

Loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend

Carol Jean Norregaard, 78, of Roscoe passed away peacefully after a long struggle with health issues on Thursday, October 25, 2012 at East Bank Center.nbsp; She was born January 23, 1934, in Rockford, the daughter of William and Clara (Chase) Mareth.nbsp; She graduated from Muldoon High School in 1951 and St. Anthonys School of Nursing in 1956.nbsp; Soon after, she traveled to Alaska to start her nursing career.nbsp; Although she loved the experience, her future husband, Earl Norregaard, persuaded her to return home to Rockford where they were married in February of 1962.nbsp;nbsp; Her nursing career was temporarily interrupted shortly thereafter with the arrival of her daughters, Marie and Jennifer.nbsp; Over the course of the next 30 plus years, Carol was a tireless worker, known for her dedication and hard work at OSF St. Anthony medical Center.nbsp; She is still remembered there fondly when, toward the end of her life, she was a patient.

Carol enjoyed many things in life: her family and friends, the Danish Sisterhood, her golden retrievers, gardening and just about anything outdoors.nbsp; Her true passion, however, was horses,nbsp; Tennessee Walkers in particular.nbsp; She was a member of the 4Square Walking Association, the Valley Trail Riders, the Roscoe Riders amp; Rigs, and the Dolls, her friends from the birthday club.

Carol was active in her hometown community.nbsp; She enjoyed sitting on the Board of the Ledges Property Owners Association.

Carol was a devout Catholic and a founding member of The Church of the Holy Spirit in Roscoe where she enjoyed many years of worship with her church family.

Carols family is grateful to all the family members and friends who, during this last year, lifted Moms spirits every day.nbsp; They were a constant source of love and support.nbsp; A special thanks to the many health care providers who made mom comfortable and who provided such excellent care.

Carol is lovingly survived by her daughters, Marie (Eric) Cannell and Jennifer (Scott) Lewis; grandchildren, Patrick, Elizabeth, Emily, Kallie and Lexi; brothers, Bill (Betty) Mareth and Bob (Marlene) Mareth and sister, Virginia Reum.nbsp; Predeceased by her parents, husband, Earl, infant daughter, Mary Elizabeth and brotherinlaw, Ralph Reum.

Funeral Mass will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 2, 2012 at St. Peters Catholic Church,nbsp; 620 Blackhawk Blvd., South Beloit, IL 61080.nbsp; Visitation will be from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m, with a prayer service at 4:30 pm, on Thursday at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd.nbsp; Memorials may be made to OSF St. Anthony Foundation.nbsp; To express online condolences, please visit: www.fitzgeraldfh.com