Shirley J. Debenedetto

Shirley J. DeBenedetto, 76, of Rockford passed away Monday, August 31, 2015 in her home. Born May 1, 1939, in Rockford, the daughter of Raymond and Evelyn (Townsend) LeParte. Shirley married Louis DeBenedetto in Rockford in 1966. She was part owner of Sunray Fixture until 1980 and then became the Director of the Small Business Department at Rock Valley College until retirement. Shirley was a member of St. Bernadette Catholic church. She was very involved in the community with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, the Epilepsy Foundation and the Ethnic Heritage Museum. She also loved to spend Tuesdays with her knitting club.
Survived by her husband of 49 years, Louis; daughter, Laurel (David) Antlitz; brother, Michael (Patricia) LeParte; sisters-in-law, Angelina and Nicolina DeBenedetto; special grand dog, JJ and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by her parents, Raymond and Evelyn, brothers-in-law, Jasper and Gus DeBenedetto, sisters-in-law, Ella and Rose DeBenedetto and grandmother, Martha Barton.
Funeral mass will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2015 at St. Bernadette Catholic Church with visitation from 9:00 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. Burial in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for a memorial to be established in Shirley’s name at a later date. To express online condolences, please visit: www.fitzgeraldfh.com.