Mary J. Scandroli, 82, of Rockford, Illinois passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by loved ones, April 21, 2026.

Mary was born July 7, 1943 in Rockford, Illinois, daughter of Rodney and Norma (Larson) Hillstrom. She graduated from West High School in 1961, started working at OSF St Anthony Hospital in 1978, and proudly graduated from OSF St Anthony School of Nursing in 1979. She was a wonderful nurse who always felt that nursing was her calling. She earned the deep respect of her colleagues and the gratitude of those she cared for. She worked on the cardiac unit until 1999 and then carried that same compassionate spirit into the homes of her patients with OSF Home Care until she retired in 2005.

She was a member of Freedom Through the Word Church, served in Illinois Credo Recovery Ministries, Northern Illinois Tres Dias, and volunteered at River Bluff Nursing Home. She lived her life grounded in a deep and unwavering Christian faith, which she expressed through kindness, service, and love for others. She found comfort and strength in her belief in Jesus Christ, and the promise of eternal life. Surrounded by love her heart was at peace and she was ready to be called Home.

Mary loved nothing more than a houseful of her family. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed going to lunch with her daughters and getting her nails done by her youngest. She loved to tease and laugh, especially while playing games with the kids when she was winning! She was a beautiful soul who was always there when you needed her.

She is survived by her daughters, Catherine (Craig) Williams, Sara (Marty) Neece, and Gina (Brad) Pavolski; grandchildren, Ashley (Kyle) Pekul, Neal (Anne Louise) Frickson, Aimee Miller, Tayler Blosser, Joseph Neece, Jacob Neece, Janicia Raimondi, Sarah Love, Rudy Scandroli, and Michael Rockstead; great-grandchildren, Liam Pekul, Levi Miller, Lorelai Miller, Flora Frickson, Lincoln Love, and Leelan Love; nieces, Jennifer Hillstrom, and Ann Mott; and many cherished friends. She is predeceased by her husband, John Grotjohn; son, Peter Scandroli; brother, Richard Hillstrom; and parents.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. with the service immediately following at 2:30 p.m. on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10, 2026 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel. Memorials may be made to the family of Mary Scandroli to be established at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 1860 South Mulford Road Rockford, IL 61108. Share condolences online at www.fitzgeraldfh.com