Joan C. Lazzerini

Joan C. Lazzerini, 87, lifelong Rockford resident, daughter of the original Sunny Boy Bakery owners, died on Friday, April 22, 2022. Born January 8, 1935, a date she proudly shared with Elvis Presley, daughter of Joseph and Rose (Lambert) Potenziani. Graduated in upper third of her class from West High School, class of 1953 where she formed special lifelong friendships. Married Richard Lazzerini on November 12, 1955 in St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. Richard died on June 18, 2007. Joan began her working career at the age of nine in the Sunny Boy Bakery and continued at Honey Bread Baking Co. until 1959. She then began a long successful career as a District Sales Manager for Avon Products. During this time she empowered hundreds of women and helped create many women entrepreneurs. She never really retired as she worked in retail sales at Sears, Verlo Mattress, Bergner’s and Nutrition Works. Throughout her life, her family was her greatest love. She enjoyed cooking for them, made all the holidays special and her grandchildren became her main focus. Joan had a very pleasant, vivacious personality with a beautiful smile. Joan was good listener who listened with her heart.
Survivors include her daughters, Holly (Jay) Mathur and Cindy Rodriguez; grandchildren, Jay Mathur, Joel Mathur, R.J. Rodriguez and Isabella Rodriguez; sister, Ramona (Lyle) Tollefson; nephews, Michael Viands, Wade Tollefson, Steve (Kim) Lazzerini and Robert (Sarah) Lazzerini, sister-in-law, Cecelia (Lucido) Lazzerini and several great nieces and nephews. Also predeceased by her son, James “Jimmie”, parents, in-laws Amelia (Cagnoni) and Robert Lazzerini, and brother-in-law Roger Lazzerini.
Joan’s family would like to extend their gratitude to Northern Illinois Hospice and Alden Debes for their loving care and support.
Visitation from 4 to 6 p.m., Friday April 29, 2022 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Road Rockford, IL. Mass of Christian Burial at 1 pm, Saturday April 30, 2022 in Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Road, Rockford. Entombment in Sunset Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. Memorials may be made to the family. Extend condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.