Renae Nygren, 50, of Machesney Park, passed away at home on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Born in Rockford, IL, on March 9, 1975, to Arthur and Dorothy (Cole) Guire. Renae had a zest for life. A people person, Renae loved spending time with family, friends, and most importantly, her grandchildren. She had a love of nature, going on camping trips and spending hours gardening. She appreciated arts and crafts and was an avid collector of elephant “knick-knacks”. One of her favorite activities with friends was concert going, live music of all genres. Her favorite days were holidays, because it brought everyone together and family was everything to her. She liked to dress up and go out for dinner as well, particularly wine walks with friends were always a good time. A truly kind woman, she felt joy is other’s presence and made sure they felt her love.

She is survived and will be missed by her loving husband, Steven Nygren; parents, Tom and Dorothy Mercer; children, Natasha (Mike) Fritz, David (Aislinn) Smith, Joseph (Kirsten) Nygren; grandchildren, Lorelei, Aiden, Karie, Zoe; siblings, Melissa Dennis, Cassandra (Nathan) Potter, Taylor (Bobby) Cornette, Brittany Mercer (Nick); sister-in-law, Sonya McDevitt; brother-in-law, Seth Nygren; father and mother-in-law, Bruce and Maryjo Nygren. She is predeceased by her father, Arthur Guire; stepfather, Jay Thompson; and grandmother, Betty Cole.

A visitation for Renae will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026, from 3:00 through 4:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL, 61108. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. To send condolences online and share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com