Vita Marie Gardona

Vita Marie Gardona, 84, Rockford, passed away Monday, April 16, 2012, in her home surrounded by her loved ones.nbsp; Born October 10, 1927, in Rockford, the daughter of Bernardo and Sarah (Lombardo) Pulizzi. Vita married Frank Gardona in Rockford on July 27, 1946.nbsp; He passed away in Rockford on September 7, 2008. She was a longtime member of St. James Catholic Church.nbsp; Vita enjoyed playing cards, but her children and grandchildren were her world.

Survived by her children, Anthony Nino (Karen Biever) Gardona and Marylou (Michael) Moore, both of Rockford, Lynn Kuczynski of Machesney Park, and Pam (Joe) Bohn of Rockford; grandchildren, Michael Turner (Tristan Brose), Nicole (Shane) Wadley, Corey Kuczynski, Krista Christiansen, and Robin Kuczynski; greatgrandchildren, Brianna and Brandon Wadley and Gabriella Turner; brother, Peter (Irene) Pulizzi; in laws, Virginia (Charles) Gagliano, John (Maria) Gardona, and Karen Gardona; numerous nieces and nephews.nbsp; Very special thanks to her granddaughter, Nicole, Heartland Hospice, and Olga Lively for their kind and loving care. Predeceased by her parents, her husband of 62 years, Frank; and her brother, Bernard Pulizzi.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 20, 2012, at St. James Catholic Church, 428 N. 2nd St. with Reverend Joachim Tyrtania officiating. Burial in Calvary Catholic Cemetery.nbsp; Visitation from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Thursday, April19, 2012, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. and from 9:30 am until 10:15 am at the church on Friday. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.