Cover photo for Mary E. Gadwell's Obituary
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1923 Mary 2009

Mary E. Gadwell

October 25, 1923 — September 14, 2009

Mary E. OConnor Gadwell, 85, Rockford, died at 12:03 P.M. Monday, September 14, 2009 in Rockford Memorial Hospital.  Born October 25, 1923 in Dekalb, daughter of Diser John OConnor, Sr. and Grace E. Shafer OConnor. Served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Graduated from Rockford College in 1965. Mary taught at Roosevelt Junior High School for several years and also worked at the Rockford Register Star as a proof reader and obituary writer from 1966 until her retirement in 1990.  Member of the Cathedral of St. Peter.  Mary was a remarkable woman who worked very hard all of her life.  She was strong and independent and was cared about by many. Survivors include her daughters, Joan (Michael) Pydynkowsky, Edmond, OK, Barbara Brooks, Rockford, Deborah Wollard, Iowa City, IA and Mary (Dominic) Dal Pra, Machesney Park and sister, Nancy (Dick) Kohlhagen of Florida.  Also survived by her grandchildren, Tricia Lynn, Debbie, Jackson, Leah, Alexandra and Royce who is presently serving in the U.S. Army in Iraq; great-granddaughter, Zoe; nieces and nephews and her special dog, Hap II.  Predeceased by her parents, brother Diser John OConnor, Jr. and son, Diser John Gadwell.  A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday in the Cathedral of St. Peter with Rev. Matthew T. Rudden officiating.  Burial in St. Mary/St. James Cemetery at 9:15 a.m. The family was assisted by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave.  Condolences and memories may be shared at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.

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