Lyla M. Deverdi

Lyla Marie DeVerdi, 99, of Rockford, entered into heaven on November 22, 2023. She was born on September 2, 1924, in Omaha, Nebraska, and adopted by adoring parents Leslie and Clara (Day) Brown. They moved to Rockford where she met the love of her life - Tony. She married Tony DeVerdi on September 12, 1943, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, and they spent nearly 75 years together before his passing in 2018.

Early in their marriage WW II began. She followed Tony across the states while he attended flight schools. When Tony went overseas she became a “Rosie the Riveter” inspecting artillery shells at the Roper Corp. in Rockford. They began their family while living at Camp Grant where so many G I’s began their post war civilian life. Their son Tony jr. was born and it was soon evident he had special needs. Lyla and a handful of other parents of special needs children organized and advocated for their childrens futures. There was nothing available, only institutions. In the 1950s through their hard work the “School of Hope” (now the Center of Hope) was built. Years later Lyla and several other parents along with local business leaders, their dream of a “live in” facility became a reality.

In 1973 Milestone opened its first apartment. The parents of developmentally and intellectually disabled adults no longer had to worry about their childrens futures. Lyla remained on the Milestone board for over 35 years.

Tony and Lyla were able to enjoy traveling the world, active in many senior groups, Holy Family church, ballroom dancing and Knights of Columbus and many others. Mom never missed an opportunity to play cards or bridge. She worked as an election judge for over 40 years and Demo’s by Diane allowing her to get out and enjoy people even more. Lyla was a feisty, warm hearted fun loving Mom, grandma and great grandma.

After living nearly 70 years in the house that Tony built, Lyla decided to move to Sienna on Brendenwood. Mom loved her new “neighborhood” and the family would like to thank all her Sienna friends and family. A special thank you to OSF Hospice, and especially to her “Visiting Angels” who treated her with such grace, kindness and dignity. We are forever grateful.

She is survived by her children, Tony Jr. (Milestone), Chris (Don) Kinsman, and Kathy (Mark) Bramble; grandchildren, David (Nicole) Kinsman, Kim Pastuska, Brian Bramble, Sean (Jamie) Bramble, and Jill (Andrew Teeter) Bramble; great grandchildren, Bre, Allie, and Alex Kinsman, Lauren, Leah, and Lily Pastuska, Kailey and Noah Bramble, Violet and Brooke Bramble, Hayden and Ezra Bramble, and Hunter, Addie, and Trayke Teeter; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is predeceased by her Husband, Tony; parents, Leslie and Clara; and grandson, Greg Kinsman.

A visitation will be on Thursday, November 30, 2023, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61108. A Funeral Service will follow at 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Milestone Inc., 4060 McFarland Rd, Loves Park, IL 61111. Please share memories and condolences online at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.