Ethel "Lee" Purfeerst, 99, passed away on Sept. 8, 2026, in Rockford, Ill. Lee was born March 10, 1927, in Iowa, Louisiana, to Anatole and Elvina (Chapman) Israel. Lee excelled in school, graduating as valedictorian of her high school class. She was offered numerous scholarships to Louisiana universities but lacked the resources for travel and preparation for college life. Nevertheless, she continued to love learning during her entire life. Before marrying, she worked for and managed bookkeeping at the Borden Dairy Co. in Lake Charles, La., which still exists at the same address. Lee met her husband, Raymond Purfeerst, shortly after he registered for military service in 1942. Ray grew up in Cornell, Wis., and trained throughout the country before arriving at U.S. Army Base, Lake Charles, where he was assigned to pilot B-26 bombers. He flew missions for four years in England, France, and Holland. Lee and Ray married on Valentine’s Day, 1946. At the war’s end, the couple moved to northern Wisconsin, then to Rockford, where Ray worked and became Vice President of Rockford Standard Furniture Co. and actively supported the rights of workers. Lee was a homemaker, wife, mother, neighbor, friend, and parishioner extraordinaire. She lived devoted to her faith and served as a member of the St. Anne and Sacred Heart Societies. As a sacristan, she cleaned the church, laundered altar cloths, and sewed baptismal bibs. She prepared and served funeral lunches for dozens of families and committed time to pray in church during Eucharistic Adoration hours. The Diocese of Rockford named her Woman of the Year in 1996. While raising their family, Lee and Ray found time to travel extensively. Closer to home, they spent weekends at the Union League Club in Chicago and visited the London House and Mr. Kelley’s jazz-supper clubs, where they loved hearing the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Franklin Sinatra, and Barbra Streisand. Lee and her sister Stella Vay continued the travel pastime after Ray's passing. Lee loved her family and adored the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. When not in the service of others, she cycled, golfed, gardened, sewed, danced, bowled, and shared the results of her Southern-inspired baking and cooking skills. Lee's family will be forever grateful for the loving guidance and care of Bernie Marinelli, the entire staff of Anam Glen, as well as Heartland Hospice and MoCara Hospice. All those who knew Lee will miss her for a long time to come. Lee is survived by her children, Brenda Gibson, Roselle, Ill., Anne (Jim) Grindle, Rockford, Ill., Beth Purfeerst, Rockford, Ill., and Stephen (Holly) Purfeerst, Crosslake, Minn. Lee's grandchildren are David Gibson, Itasca, Ill., Elizabeth Gibson, Chicago, Ill., Gabriel (Danielle) Grindle, Rockford, Ill., Alicia Grindle (Daniel) mother of Hannah and Josephine Grindle, Berkley, Mich., and Jackson Purfeerst, Crosslake, Minn. Great-grandchildren are Kayleigh Burchinal Gibson, Harrison Gibson, Sinclaire Grindle, Hannah Grindle, Josephine Grindle, Sienna Heflin, and Kane Heflin. Great-great-grandchild, Attila Wiliams. Lee was predeceased by parents Anatole and Elvina Israel, brother Vernon Lee Israel, sister Stella Vay Gilligan, sister Venita Joyce Israel, husband Raymond Purfeerst, and grandson Daniel Grindle. Arrangements are entrusted to Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Road, Rockford, Ill.

Visitation at St. Bridget Catholic Church will be 9 - 9:45 a.m. Saturday, October 10, 2026, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers those who wish may contribute to Satori Cares or to a local food pantry. As a whimsical and practical gesture to honor Lee, anyone who wishes may bring a jar of peanut butter to church. A basket for collection and delivery to a food pantry will be provided in the vestibule. The family was assisted by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory. To share memories and condolences online, please visit, www.fitzgeraldfh.com.