Florence R. Pizzolato

Florence R. Pizzolato, 91, of Freeport passed away Thursday February 12, 2015. Florence was born January 14, 1924 in Leaf River, IL, the daughter of Albert and Anna (Borneman) Tutt. She was a graduate of Leaf River High School. In April of 1942, Flo met Leo Pizzolato on a blind date in Freeport. Leo and Flo were married July 27, 1945 in Bristol, RI while Leo was serving in the United States Navy. After WWII ended, they returned to Freeport and raised three children, Diane, David and Debra. Many will remember her as a lunch lady at St. Mary's and St. Joseph's School. She remained lunch lady for many years while her children and grandchildren were at school. Later she worked part time for her daughter and son-in-law at Frank Jewelers. She worked there until close to her 90th birthday. Family members also marveled on her great memory. When anyone needed to remember something they would always call Aunt Flo. She could tell them name, dates, anything they would ask for. Holidays and family gatherings were what she enjoyed most. Seeing her grandchildren and great grandchildren always brought her many smiles, as she told them many stories. She enjoyed many wonderful times at their summer home in Spring Green, WI spending time with family and friends. She loved playing cards and winning, planting flowers, gardening, and watching birds. Seashells were one of her favorite things to collect, along with post cards and paper weights. She will fondly be remembered for her sense of humor, birthday singing phone calls and crazy April Fools jokes. Very strong in her faith, she was a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church. Florence Is survived by her children, daughter Diane (Phenie) Petta, son David (Mary) Pizzolato, and daughter Debra (Gary) Fontana, all of Freeport. Grandchildren Amy (Trent Merrill)Petta of Palatine, Dawn (John) Carlson, Kara (Jason) Carlisle, Steve (Jaime) Pizzolato, all of Freeport, Audrey (Eric) Stiegler of Durand, Tracy (Wyatt Hays) Pizzolato, Alexa (Evan Talbert) Fontana and Blake Fontana, all of Freeport. Eleven great grandchildren, Bryce, Brennan and Brant Carlson, Brady, Meghan and Jillian Carlisle, Hanna and Hailey Pizzolato, Drew Pizzolato Rogers and Lauren and Paige Stiegler. She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Leo, her parents, sister Margaret Mitchell and infant brother Arlan and sister Imogene, and one grandson Craig Pizzolato. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, February 16, 2015 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, with Rev. Kenneth Anderson, pastor, officiating. Visitation will be Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home with a scripture service being held at 1:00 p.m. There will also be a visitation Monday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at St. Thomas. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established for St. Thomas Aquinas Church and St. Jude's Hospital. Please sign Florence's guestbook and share a memory at www.burketubbs.com.