Frances A. Bonaguro

Frances "Fran" A. Bonaguro, 70, of Rockford died on December 22, 2024. Born May 5, 1954, in Rockford. Daughter of Sebastian and Brazina "Bessie" (Barbata) Marsala. She was born and raised in Rockford, IL, in a traditional Sicilian family. Fran attended Muldoon and Boylan High Schools and graduated from Rockford East High School in 1972. Her first marriage in 1973 produced two daughters who she truly dedicated her life to. After her divorce she worked two or three jobs to support herself and her children. It was common for her to push beyond her limits to take care of her family. She always said that "you can do anything as long as you put your mind to it". She was an excellent cook, poet, and artist of different mediums. She studied creative writing at Rock Valley College, was an avid reader, and would complete a crossword puzzle every day. Her favorite holiday was Christmas. It was common to find her in the kitchen during Christmas time preparing a dozen or so lasagnas to give them as holiday gifts for people. If she knew you were going to be home alone for Christmas, she would make sure you were invited over. She hated people being alone on Christmas. A tradition she started was finding that special ornament to give to her daughters each year. She remarried on September 16, 1995, to her husband, Jeffrey Bonaguro, at Lake Summerset, Durand. She worked in the banking business for years and retired in 2014 from Voss Metal as their Office Manager. In her spare time, she loved traveling to Door County, WI with her husband and various other cities. Fran enjoyed attending air shows in Rockford and fly-ins at Cottonwood Airport and was a member of the EAA, along with her husband Jeff. She loved animals and they all gravitated to her wherever she was. She also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren whom she loved very much. Fran never left the house without her hair perfectly styled, her makeup done, and dressed to impress. She was unknowingly funny, sarcastic, and witty. She had a great laugh, a beautiful smile, and a heart of gold. Survived by her husband, Jeff, of 29 years; daughters, Therasa (Christian) Yehling, Marcella Zito; grandchildren, Jaden Zito, Jace Yehling; sister, Virginia "Ginger" Brandon, several nieces, and numerous cousins. Preceded in death by her parents, Sebastian and Bessie and brother, Joseph Marsala. Fran's family is grateful to the staff of Alden Debes for the loving care they provided. Memorial visitation on Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 10 am to 11:45 am at Grace Funeral & Cremation Services, 4301 N. Main St. Rockford, followed by a Celebration of Life at 12 p.m. Please wear Fran's favorite color, red for the service. Live Stream of the service can be viewed here: https://my.gather.app/remember/frances-a-bonaguro Memorials may be made in her memory to Winnebago County Animal Services, 4517 N. Main St. Rockford, IL 61103 or Alden Debes Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, 550 s. Mulford, Rockford, IL 61108. Cremation rites accorded. Private family interment in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Share a memory or condolence at www.graceFH.com.

Frances A. Bonaguro

May 5, 1954 - December 22, 2024