Ida Mae Niesen

After a courageous 12 year stare down with Alzheimer’s disease, Ida Mae Niesen (1939 - 2021) joined the legions of saints and her Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, May 11th at home on hospice support with her daughter Christine.

Ida Mae Niesen was predeceased by her parents, Alfred Joseph Niesen and Margaret Agnes Niesen; her sisters, Mary Louise Einerson, Margaret Ellen Yahle, Althea Jeannette Illa, Laurel Christine Nurnberg and her grandson, Josh Milsaps. She is survived by her brother, Alfred John Niesen. Ida was a strong and loving woman, mother of 6 children; Christine de Neveu, Leo Hauser, Martin Hauser (Denise), Tom Hauser, John Hauser (Twyla) and Robert Hauser (Terri). Ida was married to John Hauser (Rockford Fire Department), father of her six children, for 20 years.

She was beloved grandmother (Nana) of 8 grandchildren; Stephanie Hauser Graham (Will), Ariana de Neveu Bumber (Kevin) Olivia Hauser, Richard Hauser, Jada Hauser, Johnny Hauser, Veronica Hauser. Also blessed to be great grandmother (Nana) of eight great grandchildren; Samantha, Starlit, Brielle, Waverly, Evelyn, Joshua, Sophie, and baby Avery. Ida had many beloved nieces, nephews, friends, and support from Eric Meath, (Christine) (in her final months, as a strong and caring presence for both of them in her last weeks in life) and visits from Julie Stewart Hauser.

Ida was a teacher with the Rockford Public Schools for 20 years. She finished her studies at Rockford College when son Robert was in Kindergarten. She taught at McIntosh elementary, Barbour School, Dennis School and Flynn Middle School. Her dream to be a teacher was strong all of her life, she worked for equality and believed each child has gifts and abilities to share with the world. Every picture of our mom holding a new baby shows her wonder and awe of the tiny face of wee ones.

She devotedly raised her children in the Catholic faith, had a strong belief in the Holy Trinity and Life Everlasting.

Mom had many interests, poetry, science, civil rights, history, nature, music, singing, friends and God’s creation in animals and all things of life. She taught her children respect for the world, and we had educational trips each summer.

Her laugh was amazing, her hugs soothed life’s weariness and brought warm joy. Never bitter, any small disagreement was instantly resolved. Over her time at Christine’s home, we appreciated all of her care persons. Lucy, Sandy, Allie, Dawn (nurse), and Mercy Help At Home’s Hospice program. Mom was always cheerful and kind, even when Alzheimer’s stopped her from forming new memories. Pictures of events were always appreciated, she’d exclaim, “It looks like I had fun!” To her end she enjoyed television shows focused on nature, the cosmos, history, romance from Hallmark, and every chance to sing her favorite Folk music from the 60s and 70s.

We will miss her love and presence, always. She’s left a well of sadness in our hearts, but we know she is a queen in heaven. Private Services will be held at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, and an End-of-Life Celebration with Mass will be held at Sunset Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 8800 N. Alpine Road, Machesney Park, IL 61115, on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at 2:00 PM. Arrangements entrusted to Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel. 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL 61108. Share online memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com