Melinda Ginestra Trotter

Melinda Ginestra Trotter, 40
Loving Wife, Mother, Daughter and Sister

Melinda "Mindy" Ginestra Trotter, 40, Loves Park, died peacefully in her home on Saturday evening, January 11, 2014. Born May 13, 1973 in Rockford, daughter of Philip L. and Marilyn Guzzardo Ginestra. Graduated from Boylan High School, received her Bachelor's degree from Illinois State University and her Master's degree from Roosevelt University. Married Mark H. Trotter at St. Bridget Catholic Church on July 6, 1996. She was employed by various local agencies as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. Her last employment, until her illness, was with Remedies Renewing Lives. She was a member and active volunteer at St. Bridget Catholic Church where she served in several capacities. She had also been a volunteer for "Relay For Life". Mindy had been very active with the Girl Scouts for many years, having been a troop leader and troop coordinator. She was an energetic, personable and compassionate young woman. She was quite strong-willed and could accomplish anything she tried. She had a love for animals that was shown through the care of her present dogs, Snickers, Lily and Piper. Above all, she was a very loving mother whose children were always her first priority.

Survivors include her husband, Mark; daughter, Marissa; son, Daniel; father, Philip "Buzz" (Marion) Ginestra; brothers, Todd (Ginger) Ginestra, Jay Ginestra and John (Krista) Ginestra; nieces, Payton, Jordyn and Ellie; nephews, Blake, Jack and Ted; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Fred, Jr. and Rose Marie Trotter; brothers-in-law, Fred III (Laura) Trotter, Matt Trotter; sister-in-law, Mary (Ben) Trotter Gonzales; step-brothers, Mark (Kathy) Mannino and Chris Mannino; step-nephews, Kevin, Alex and Jason Mannino; aunts, uncles and cousins. Predeceased by her mother, Marilyn Ginestra on April 1, 1999, grandparents and her cousin Philip Anderson.

Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 18, 2014 in St. Bridget Catholic Church with Rev. Keith D. Romke officiating and Rev. Christopher P. DiTomo concelebrating. Burial in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation from 4-7 p.m. Friday in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. with a Prayer Service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation also from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the church on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois, Rockford Service Center, 2820 McFarland Rd, 61107 or to the family. Express condolences or share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.