Mary A.

(Gasparini) Thibedeau

Mary D. (Gasparini) Thibedeau, 97, of Roscoe, passed away surrounded by her family on November 9, 2026. She was born on September 25, 1929, in Rockford, the daughter of Grasiono and Amalia (Zuvi) Gasparini. Her father passed at a very young age and she was raised by her stepfather, Jack DeRosso. She grew up on a farm on S. Horace Avenue and attended Lincoln Park, Roosevelt Jr. High and West High School. She married Patrick Thibedeau in July of 1948 and together they were blessed with 52 years of marriage before his passing in 2001. She worked as a U.S. postal substation clerk at Nihan and Martin for many years. She was a longtime member of the Cathedral of St. Peter Catholic Church and volunteered with the St. Anne Society for funeral luncheons, the soup kitchen, and Meals on Wheels. She was an outstanding hostess and known for her delicious spaghetti and homemade sugo and meatballs. She and Pat had a phenomenal group of friends whom they shared lively, boisterous celebrations filled with laughter and dance. She loved reading suspense books, playing cards with family and friends, and watching Dancing With the Stars. Her wit was quick and her words were many. Alongside her family, Mary enjoyed her time in Rockford and Mt. Morris, Wisconsin.

She is survived by her children, Sandi Highland and Ron (Stephanie Scott) Thibedeau; grandchildren, Chad (Annabeth) Highland, Bryan (Abby) Highland, Andrea (Rudy) Martinez, and Amy (Adam) Tometich; great grandchildren, Nick (Taylor), Lexi, Nate, Josh, Ally, Jack, Elizabella, and Dolfo; a great great granddaughter on the way; sister, Rena Hall; and many special nieces, nephews, and friends. She is predeceased by her parents; husband, Patrick; son-in-law, Don Highland; grandson, Eric Thibedeau; and brother, John Gasparini.

A Funeral Mass will be on Monday, November 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter, 1243 Church Street, Rockford, IL 61103, with a visitation prior to Mass starting at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Serenity Home & Hospice (with special thanks to her aide and nurse, Jen and April).