June Rose Brophy

June Rose Brophy passed away peacefully on July 3, 2020 at the age of 96.

She was born on February 18, 1924 in Escanaba, Michigan, the daughter of Edward and Rose (Nantelle) Olson. She graduated from Escanaba High School. She moved to Rockford after graduation and was employed as a secretary at the Ingersoll Milling Machine Company where she met her husband, Donald Brophy. They were married at St. Mary’s Church in Rockford on October 23, 1948.

As a young woman, June was an accomplished violinist and was a member of the Intermediate Rockford Women’s Club and Beta Sigma Phi sorority. Early in her marriage, she moved with her husband to Ohio, later to Michigan and eventually back to Rockford, which June always considered to be her home. She worked for many years as a clerk for the Winnebago County Courts and was a long-time member of St. Peter’s Cathedral.

June was devoted to her family, who loved her dearly, and she enjoyed entertaining her many friends. She had a wonderful sense of humor and fun, and an encouraging word for everyone. Her generosity and practical optimism endeared her to many and she will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her children, Jill Brophy (Dennis Spirgen), Jacqueline (Richard) Fogerty and Shawn (Mary) Brophy; grandchildren, Nicole Spirgen, Katherine Spirgen, Bretta Fogerty, Lauren Fogerty and Shannon Brophy. She is preceded in death by her husband and by her brothers, Arthur and Lloyd.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Peter’s Cathedral at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 10, 2020. Due to current restrictions, attendance is limited to 70 people. Face masks are required and social distancing guidelines must be followed. June will be laid to rest next to her husband in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the National Shrine of St. Jude (Chicago, Illinois) or to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements entrusted to Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61108. Share online memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com