Margaret L. Rizzo

Margaret Louise Rizzo, 97, Rockford, passed away in her home on May 13, 2023, after a short illness. Born in Independence, Louisiana, on March 7, 1926, daughter to Joseph and Alice (Lucido) Mulé. She came to Rockford in 1934 and graduated from West High School in 1944. Margaret went on to marry the love of her life, Carl Rizzo, on February 27, 1954, in Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, where they both were parishioners for over 70 years. She enjoyed crocheting, going to dinner, the annual Friday night card games with her friends in the Macalea Club, or simply sharing her wisdoms with her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Her biggest goal in life was to make sure that her friends and family were happy, healthy, and well fed. Everyone was welcome in her home and always fed whether it was wanted or not- her famous Christmas pizzelle’s, Jell-O cakes, anchovy pizzas, cakes and cupcakes with as many “sprinklies” as she could get on them are all fond memories that her family and friends will cherish. She will be remembered most for her happy kitchen, wonderful sense of humor, and her favorite saying, “be careful”.

She will be missed by those who loved her most, her husband of 69 wonderful years, Carl; her children Sandra (Steve) Kleekamp, Carol Rizzo, James (Sharon) Rizzo, and Christine Rizzo; her grandchildren Alison (Andrew) Garza, Justin Baker, Z Rizzo, Nolan Rizzo, Andrea (JJ) Skiver, Josh (Jamie) Kleekamp; her great grandchildren Bennett, Henry, Avram, Ella, Evelyn, Ava, Sofia, Jack, and Jonathan; her sister Mary Buckingham; sisters in law Ruth Mulé and Kathy Rizzo and several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her infant son Christopher Joseph; granddaughter Danielle Hoffmann; infant great-grandson Beckett Baker; siblings Pauline (Evo) Toti, Alice Cimino, Joseph Mulé, and Tony Mulé.

A visitation will take place on Friday, May 19, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 1010 Ferguson Street, Rockford, Illinois 61102. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association in remembrance of Margaret. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com