Maria C. (Cuppini) Bermingham, 70, of Rockford, Illinois, died peacefully at home on July 23, 2026, surrounded by her family after a brief fight with a rare and aggressive cancer. She was born February 4, 1956, in Rockford, the daughter of Geno and Dolores (Pro) Cuppini.

From an early age, Maria stood out for her energy and the warmth she extended to everyone she met. She spoke fondly of her memories surrounded by friends and family on Cunningham Street - playing with Barbie, tanning on picnic tables, enjoying giant bags of popcorn on the front porch, and weekly steak dinners at her parents’ house.

Her childhood dream of becoming the first female astronaut inspired her to attend Illinois State University, earning her bachelor's degree in 1978. It was a business class where Maria met Denis, but it was the weekly Arby’s dates, rides in the tractor, and listening to live music on the quad that provided a strong foundation for their relationship. On September 29, 1979, Maria married the love of her life, Denis, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. Together they were blessed with two children, Charles and Therese. Of everything Maria and Denis built in their nearly 47 years together, nothing brought them more happiness than having and raising their children.

While her family was at the center of her heart, Maria also found purpose and fulfillment in a career that challenged her mind and reflected her determination. Her love of solving problems led her to a career in computer programming, beginning at Ingersoll Milling Machine Company, where she spent nine years, and continuing at Ingersoll Cutting Tools. She was proud of being one of the only women in a male-dominated field, leaving a mark not only through her technical skill but also through the genuine connections she built among her colleagues. Whether she was earning the traveling trophy from a football pool or organizing daily walk breaks, she made the most of her time in the office.

While Maria took pride in her work, some of her greatest happiness came from staying active, enjoying the outdoors, and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Maria was a fixture at the local YMCA — her energy lighting up Zumba classes with her signature solos, lifting weights, and setting the pace on walks along the path. She treasured time outdoors, especially vacations at the beach, exploring Rock Cut State Park, and annual trips to the apple orchard. She did get to soak in creation in a different way after her 70th birthday. Her family made a childhood dream real: her own convertible sports car, in the color she'd always wanted, red. It was pure Maria, enjoying the wind in her hair and soaking in nature from every angle with the top down. It was in those moments surrounded by creation that Maria felt especially close to God. From childhood through every stage of life, Maria found God in the beauty around her. Her deep Catholic faith guided her life, and she found comfort and strength in the Eucharist, which remained the center of her spiritual journey.

Maria had a servant’s heart. She found joy in quietly caring for others, often expressing her love through handmade blankets and volunteering to support food collections at church. Her compassion found expression not only in serving others but also in the creative gifts she shared with those she loved. She especially enjoyed drawing, including creating sketches of her grandpuppies that brought her so much joy.

Maria faced her final illness the way she lived, with courage, faith, and her family beside her. Maria’s final sight was Ellie, Therese’s niece and Maria’s bonus granddaughter, playing before her in the dress Maria had made for Therese thirty years earlier, waving a magic wand. Being surrounded by family brought her peace and comfort. Her greatest legacy lives on in the countless hearts she touched, her unwavering kindness, and the loving, spunky energy she brought to every relationship.

Maria is survived by her husband, Denis; her children, Charles (Meaggan) and Therese (Matt); her grandpuppies, Buddy, Zoey, Coda, and Zeke; her siblings, Geno and Michael (Julie); and many dear friends and family members. She was preceded in death by her parents, Geno and Dolores; her nephew, Joseph; and grandpuppies Cooper and Jaxson.

Services will be held Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Road, Rockford, IL 61107. Visitation from 10:00 a.m. to Noon, Mass at Noon, followed by a luncheon. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Shelter House of Iowa City.