Paula "Polly" J. Rudolph

Paula “Polly” J. Rudolph, 60, of Rockford, IL passed away Monday, January 9, 2023 in her home. She was born June 8, 1962 in Rockford, IL, the daughter of John and Joan (Sveinsson) Sanders and attended Rockford East High School. She married the love of her life, Ronald Rudolph on September 12, 1981 and they had two girls and a boy. Polly worked at Anam Care as a caregiver, where she considered the residents family and never failed to go the extra mile to bring them joy. Polly was incredibly witty, warm and the life of the party. Her home was always open to friends, family and her children’s friends - so much so, that many in the community referred to her as ‘Mom’. When she wasn’t taking care of others, Polly loved cruising around town in her convertible and visiting with friends at local establishments. Polly was a loving wife, mother, sister, mother-in-law, daughter-in-law, aunt and friend. She will be deeply missed by those who knew her and her memory will leave a lasting impact on this community she so deeply cherished.

Polly is survived by her husband, Ronald; children, Brian (Gabriela) Rudolph and Ann (Eric Riha) Rudolph; siblings, Pam (Rich) Ianni, Mark Sanders, Patrick Sanders, and Amy (Alex) Szymanski; father-in-law, Gerald Rudolph; brothers-in-law, Gerald (Jacqueline) Rudolph, Jr., David Rudolph, Bruce (Roberta) Rudolph; sisters-in-law, Billie Sanders and Julie (Robert) Behmer; numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Polly is predeceased by her parents; daughter, Margaret “Maggie” Rudolph; sister, Peggy; brothers, Richard and William; mother-in-law, Catherine Rudolph; and sister-in-law, Sheri Rudolph.

Please join the family for cocktails and remembrance Sunday, January 15, 2023 from 3:00 - 6:00 P.M. at Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road, Rockford, IL 61114. Visitation will be held Monday, January 16, 2023 from 10:00 – 11:00 A.M. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Road. Graveside Service will follow at Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the “Margaret M. Rudolph Trust” a non-profit established to benefit various cancer related and local charities.