Elizabeth Weightman

Elizabeth J. “Betty” Weightman, 86, of Rockford passed away Thursday April 28, 2016, in her home after a long illness. She was born September 2, 1929, in Freeport IL, the daughter of John and Margaret (Pettit) Clausen. She married Gerald “Jerry” Weightman on October 3, 1953, at St. Peter Church in Rockford.
Betty was a graduate of Muldoon High School, Class of 1947 and the St. Camillus School of Nursing in Kalamazoo, MI. She became a Registered Nurse and worked at St. Anthony Hospital as an orthopedic surgical nurse for several years before dedicating her life full time to her family. A wise and caring mother, she taught her children common sense, the value of an education and to look for the good in others. She and Jerry were extremely proud that all of their children earned college degrees and beyond. A wonderful “Meema” to her multitude of grandchildren, she delighted in their accomplishments both in school and in athletic competition. Betty was the undisputed family Scrabble champion and enjoyed the challenge of the crossword puzzle from the daily newspaper. She was an avid reader and enjoyed seeing the world through public television. She eagerly awaited her vacation at Lake Mills, WI every summer. Betty was ever-present at the Courtesy Counter at the Rockford YMCA for over twenty years. She especially enjoyed watching the growth in the young families that came through the Y. Betty was loved by all and will be dearly missed.
She is survived by her ten children, Gerald (Mary Frances), Martin (Patricia), Margaret Weightman (John Knaack), Catherine Weightman-Moore (David Moore), Paul (Janice), Teresa Weightman-Moore (Stanley Moore), Cecilia Weightman-Tobin (Andrew Tobin), Peter (Laura), Elizabeth Weightman (Michael Bragg) and Philip (Andrea). Twenty-nine grandchildren; Sarah, Matthew, Thomas (Krystle), Michelle (Nick), Stephanie (Jeff), Monica, Gregory, Michael, Stephen, Nicholas, Janessa, Matisse, Andrew, Megan, Ryan, Clare, Joseph, Daniel, Emily, Abigail, Ian, Owen, Amelia, Liam, Aidan, Elizabeth, Evan, Adam, and Erin; five great grandchildren, Alivia, Easton, Wyatt, Lily, and Daxx. Brothers Paul, Msgr. Bill, Bob, and Larry Clausen and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents; her husband of 59 years, Jerry; brothers John Jr. and Carl Clausen; beloved sister Catherine “Kitty” Blais; grandchildren, Monica Elizabeth and Brendan William Moore.
Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am Friday, May 6, 2016, in St. James Catholic Church, 428 N. Second St., Rockford with Father David Beauvais officiating, and her brother Monsignor William Clausen and Father Paul White concelebrating. Visitation from 5pm until 8pm Thursday, May 5 in Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 3910 North Rockton Ave. Recitation of the Rosary will begin at 7:30 pm. Visitation also from 9am until 9:45am Friday in the Church. Burial will be at St. Mary’s/St. James Cemetery, Rockford. Memorials to St. James Church, Cornucopia Food Pantry, or the Outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at Mercy Rockford Health System. Express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com