Gene L. Sandona

Gene L. Sandona, 96, of Rockford, passed away on Thursday, August 8, 2013 in Rosewood Care Center. Born January 1, 1917 in Rockford; daughter of Dominic and Palmina (Piccirilli) Burratti. Married Reno P. Sandona on October 12, 1940. She was the oldest member of the Venetian Club Auxillary and a former member of Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Country Club where she enjoyed golfing and playing bridge. Gene especially enjoyed her time with all of her family. Survivors include her children, Reno T. (Rosemary) Sandona, Trudy (Ralph) Gates, Debbie (Roy) Chostner, Michael (Pam Marino) Sandona; grandchildren, Michael John (Victoria) Hunt of Madrid, Spain, Andrew (Shelly) Chostner of Davison, MI, Jennifer (Tim) Kelly, Michael P. (Ami) Gates, Peter B. (Amy) Gates, Joseph (Nicole Schwartz-Gates) Gates, Peter E. Sandona of Olympia, WA, Robby Sandona and Gina Sandona; step-grandchildren, Terry (Eileen) Chostner of Cedar Rapids, IA, Tom (Louella) Chostner, Antioch, IL, Stephanie (Scott) Phillips-Marino of Evansville, WI, Linnea Marino, Ted O’Donnell and Alec Schwartz; 17 great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, Robert & Mary Sandona of Phoenix, AZ; numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her husband, Reno; sisters, Jo Marie Marsh, Lee Bimbo and Dolores Kisting. The family wishes to thank Rosewood Care Center and OSF Hospices for their compassionate care. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00a.m. on Monday, August 12, 2013 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church with Franciscan Friars officiating. Burial in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2:00 – 4:00p.m. on Sunday, August 11 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61108 and also from 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. Monday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for a memorial to be established at a later date. Express condolences online at www.fitzgeraldfh.com