Ivette Aponte, 59, of Rockford died on March 9, 2013 in her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on October 28, 1953 in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, daughter of Pedro Aponte and Elsa Ortiz. United in marriage to Franklin Lopez on December 11, 1976. Ivette obtained her Master's Degree in Hispanic Studies from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez, and her Master's in Rehabilitation from the University of Illinois – Chicago. She was employed by the Department of Human Service as a Senior Rehabilitation Counselor. Survived by her husband, Franklin; daughter, Litzka (Patrick Goodwin) Lucas; grandson, Gabriel Lucas; parents, Pedro and Elsa; brothers, Pedro, Juan Francisco, Obed; sisters, Magaly, Anita, Rosario, and Margarita. Preceded in death by her brother, Joel, and sister Luzgardy. A Visitation will be Saturday, March 16, 2013 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Grace Funeral & Cremation Service, 1340 South Alpine Rd. Rockford – at Colonial Village. Funeral Service at 1 p.m. Interment in Cedar Bluff Cemetery. To share a memory or condolence online, visit www.graceFH.com .