Virginia A. Spoto

Virginia (Hagney) Spoto, a woman of grace and deep abiding faith, passed away peacefully on July 12, surrounded by her loving family. Born on September 28, 1927, in Pekin, Illinois, to George and Viola (Buck) Hagney, Virginia graduated from Pekin High School and moved with her family to Rockford in 1946. She continued her education at Rockford College, Oxford University in England, and the University of Chicago Program in Ireland.

Virginia was truly a trailblazer in her career, proudly serving for 16 years as the first female Chief Examiner and Administrator for the City of Rockford Personnel Dept. The Rockford Register Republic recognized her as a “Rockford Leading Lady” promoting merit over patronage for city workers. It was while Virginia worked for the City that she met her adoring husband, Angelo Spoto. One of her favorite memories was of how they met. When Angelo was in law school, he applied for a summer job with the City and Virginia interviewed him. Surprisingly, he was not selected for the job but they started dating and went on to enjoy a beautiful marriage of 68 years, where family describe them as “inextricably linked.” She resigned in 1961 to focus on family and felt blessed to be a devoted wife and mother.

Virginia’s generosity extended to her deep commitment to her community where she served on several boards including the American Red Cross; Rockford Day Nursery; President, Woman’s Art Board of the Rockford Art Museum; Rockford Women’s Club; Zonta International; President, Community Chest of Rockford; member, Holy Family Catholic Church; and first female member, Inter-Club Council.

Active in retirement, Virginia and Angelo enjoyed spending time with friends and family in Naples, FL, Vail, CO, Chicago, going on cruises and traveling to Europe.

Virginia is survived by her husband Angelo; daughters Ann DuBois (Peter) and Sara Angeletti (Jay); grandchildren Alice DuBois, Sam DuBois, Virginia Angeletti (Jay Corbett) and Cally Angeletti; along with several nieces and nephews. Special thanks to Virginia’s dedicated caregivers and the team at St. Anne’s. She is predeceased by her parents and brother, George Hagney.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 17, from 10:00 – 10:45 am, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Road, Rockford, with Mass of the Christian Burial at 11:00 am at Holy Family Catholic Church with the Rev. Father David Beauvais presiding.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Virginia's name to Crusader Clinic and Catholic Foundation of Rockford.

Share online memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com