Carol J. Parr

Carol J. Parr 1945-2025

Carol J. Parr, 80, Rockford, passed away Saturday, May 31, 2025.

She was born April 1, 1945 in Rockford, Illinois, the daughter of Leslie Mansfield Burgett and Lillian Francis (Hancock) Burgett. She was a proud graduate of Auburn High School, Class of 1963, where she met Tom Parr, her husband of 54 years. Carol married Tom Parr in Rockford on February 12, 1966. She was a member of Beth Eden United Methodist Church.

Carol attended Northern Illinois University. She was a longtime employee of Rockford Memorial Hospital where she made many friends and never missed a day of work. She and her husband, Tom, were involved for decades in a “card club” which consisted of their lifelong friends Sid and Jan Hensel, Bob and Joyce Bagley, Bob and Pat Bridgeland and Egon and Cindy Six.

Carol loved folk and gospel music. Her favorite artists were Ernie Haase and Signature Sound as well as Rockford’s own Alleluia Quartet.

A perfect day for mom was at the pool with her family and enjoying a burnt hotdog on the grill.

She was a lifelong Cubs fan and she and her husband, Tom, attended many Cubs Spring Training games in Arizona.

Later in life, she realized a dream of traveling to Sicily to meet her aunt and cousins, the Gendusos.

Carol is predeceased by her parents Leslie and Lillian and her husband, Tom.

Survived by her son Michael (Karen) Parr, daughter Lisa Zavadil, and son Matthew Parr along with her grandchildren Chloe (Michael Roper), Mackenzie, Nicholas, Samantha, Alexi, Ava, Colton and Lily and former son-in-law, Mike Zavadil.

A special thanks to longtime friends Joyce Bagley and Jan Hensel for their regular visits to cheer mom up as her health declined. Also thanks to Dennis Nelson for bringing her beloved dog, Pearl, for visits to keep her company and to her favorite dog walker, Tina.

Per mom’s wishes, there will be no services. Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 1860 S. Mulford, Rockford, Illinois 61108 assisted the family. Any memorials can be sent to Beth Eden United Methodist Church, 3201 Huffman Blvd. Rockford, Illinois 61103.