Ellen Mcnally Perez

Ellen McNally Perez, 90, Rockford, passed away Thursday, November 1, 2012, in her home. Margaret Ellen McNally was born June 7, 1922, in Cascade, Iowa, the daughter of Robert and Lucille (Skahill) McNally. Following high school graduation, Ellen attended one year of college in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and then enrolled in Mt. Mercy Hospital School of Nursing. She graduated from nurses training in 1943, and joined the Army Nursing Corps, eventually earning the rank of First Lieutenant. It was through her military service that she met Lt. Joseph Perez when they were both stationed at Lowry Field in Denver, Colorado. Ellen and Joseph were married in 1946. Joseph went on to earn his medical degree from Tulane University, and moved to Rockford in 1952, beginning a long relationship with St. Anthony Hospital, now OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. Ellen was generous with her time and talents, volunteering for the Winnebago County Medical Society Auxiliary and the St. Anthony Hospital Auxiliary, serving as president of both organizations during her many years of service. She thought more often of others than herself throughout her life. Ellen in survived by her husband of 66 years, Joseph (M.D. retired), daughters, Lynn PerezHewitt (James) of Grand Junction, Colorado and Mary Jo (Ronald) Peterson of Panama City Beach, Florida; numerous members of her loving extended family. Predeceased by her parents and ten brothers and sisters.Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 am, Tuesday, November 6, 2012, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Road with a luncheon immediately following the service. Private family burial in Marsh Cemetery. Visitation from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd and again from 10:00 am until 10:45 am at the church on Tuesday. Memorials may be made to OSF St. Anthony Foundation, 5666 East State St., Rockford, 61108. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.