Christine "Chris" V. Mcinerney

Christine V. McInerney, 53, of Belvidere, passed away Tuesday, December 16, 2014, in her home after being diagnosed with cancer in September. Born July 17, 1961, in Chicago, the daughter of Bruno and Mary Piekosz. Christine worked at Motorola for 10 years, where she met her beloved husband, John. They married on May 9, 1992 in Streamwood, IL. Christine or "Chris," as her friends called her, loved the Lord with all her heart and often shared her faith through words or actions including at her job at Starbucks. She was a member of First Evangelical Covenant Church in Rockford, where she found her passion for organizing and leading Operation Christmas Child, assisting with Vacation Bible School week during the summer and hosting Bible study in her home. Chris also loved becoming a part of the FIRST Robotics family as she watched John mentor and Leah and Alex compete competition after competition. It brought her so much joy to see them succeed. She loved her calling as a mother and used those talents where ever they were needed. Chris was a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister and friend who was dearly loved by all. Her memory will live on in all our hearts.

Survived by her husband, John; children, Alex and Leah; brothers, Ken (Sharon) Piekosz and Mark Piekosz and nieces, Megan and Amy Piekosz. Predeceased by her parents.

Memorial Service to be held at First Evangelical Covenant Church at 316 Wood Road in Rockford, IL on Saturday, December 27th. Visitation from 1:00 - 1:45 pm and the service starting at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to First Evangelical Covenant Church to support making Operation Christmas Child boxes next year. Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, assisted the family. To express online, please visit: www.fitzgeraldfh.com.