Malia M. Hennessy

Malia M. Hennessy, a beloved teacher and cherished member of her community, passed away on May 30, 2025, at the age of 83, in Rockford, Illinois. Born on January 25, 1942, in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Malia dedicated her life to education after earning her Masters degree in Education from Lewis University. She worked as a teacher for District 64 in Park Ridge, where she touched the lives of many students and families. She married the love of her life, William J. Hennessy on January 16, 1965, in Lemont, Illinois and had 53 loving years together. 

Malia was not only passionate about her career but also loved to spend quality time with her family and friends. An avid traveler, she made memorable journeys to Portugal and England, and enjoyed numerous bus trips and cruises throughout her life.

A longtime member of Holy Family Catholic Church, Malia was active in the Knights of Columbus - Women’s Auxiliary, where she contributed her time and heart. She also volunteered at the Center for Learning and Retirement (CLR), further showcasing her commitment to education and community service.

Malia’s spirit, love for travel, and dedication to her family and community will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her children, Michael (Deborah) Hennessy, Christopher Hennessy, Jeffrey (Eileen) Hennessy, and Jennifer (Jason) Minkin; grandchildren, Io, Ewan, Lily, Eloise, Ember, Andrew, and Audrey; sisters, Karen Pervisky and Janeen (Alben) Brenkus; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is predeceased by her parents; husband, William; and siblings, Mary Anne Browne, Frank Browne, Ronald Browne, Barry Browne, and Moyne Brown. 

A Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation prior to Mass at 10:00 a.m., at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Road Rockford, IL 61107. A Night Before Visitation will be on Friday, June 6, 2025, from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61108. A private burial will be at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Joliet, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church.