Victoria Sleger

Victoria Anne Sleger (Intravaia), 57, passed away peacefully surrounded by her children and sister on Tuesday, January 29, 2013, at Rockford Memorial Hospital. She was born on January 12, 1956, in Hibbing, Minn., to Salvatore (Sam) and Betty Lou Intravaia (Smith). Victoria is survived by her daughter, Hannah Zammuto (A.J.) of Loves Park; son, Gareth Sleger or Rockford; son, Aaron Sleger of Rockford; sister, Conni HofeldtRowe (Bruce) of Middleton, Wis.; aunt, Rita Piazza of Madison, Wis.; and many cousins in her large and loving extended Intravaia and Cerniglia families, centralized in Madison, Wis., and ranging from coast to coast. Victoria was preceded in death by her parents; aunt, Anne (Intravaia) and Dominic Cerniglia, who raised Victoria from the age of six following the passing of her parents; and several aunts and uncles. Victoria was without a doubt a true renaissance woman. She was a talented artist, violinist, and, undoubtedly, a thespian. She graduated from West High School (1973) and Edgewood College (1978) in Madison, Wis., where her love of the theater grew. After student teaching in Wauwatosa, she moved to Rockford and began teaching English/Communication and leading the drama program at Boylan Catholic High School for 34 years. In that time, and through constant dedication, she shaped the Boylan theater into one of the most talented and respected high school programs in the region. She also devoted many summers performing at Starlight Theatre at Rock Valley College. In all, she performed in 26 shows, many of which she had a leading role. She also had the opportunity to perform with her daughter many times and her two sons. But above all, Victoria was a sweet and loving mother, sister, and friend. Her generosity, compassion and sense of humor had an impact on everyone who knew her: from family, students, fellow teachers and cast members. Her legacy of giving her all without ever taking will live on through those she influenced.

A visitation for her amazing life will be held at Fitzgerald Funeral Home amp; Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, Illinois, on Saturday, February 2,2013 from 1:00 p.m.nbsp;to 5:00 p.m. nbsp;In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Boylan High Schools Friends of the Fine Arts or the Boylan theater program, 4000 Saint Francis Drive, Rockford, Illinois 61103.