Martha E. Cannova

Martha E. Cannova, 80, of Freeport died Friday in University Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin following a brief illness. She was born June 14, 1930 in Rockford, Illinois the daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth (Ciacco) Rotello. Martha married her beloved husband Frank Cannova in 1948. Martha and Frank owned and operated Cannova'™s restaurant in Freeport, and which have now grown to include restaurants in Galena and Neenah, Wisconsin. Martha was a long time member of Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church and the National Catholic Society of Foresters, in which she proudly served as president of her local chapter. In her younger days she was an avid dancer, tennis player, and throughout her life loved playing cards, attending dinner club, swimming, and cooking. More than anything else though, Martha loved her family and taking care of her children and grandchildren. She was a mother that truly loved being a mom, took pride in having it as her life'™s work, and was a friend to any who walked in her doors or asked for some help. Martha is survived by her loving husband. Two sons; Anthony of Denver, Colorado and Andrew of Freeport. Two daughters, Linda (Patrick) Beckman of Freeport and Debbie (Kyle) Rasmus of Neenah, Wisconsin. Her grandchildren; Patrick and Michael Beckman. Chaz and Colt Cannova and Frankie Rasmus. Two sisters; Theresa (Norman) Alex of Rockford and Corrine Cacciapaglia of Rockford. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Jasper and her granddaughter, Isabella. Funeral mass for Mrs. Cannova will be Wednesday, 11:00 A.M. at Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Freeport. Msgr. P. William McDonnell will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:30 A.M. until time of service Wednesday in Saint Thomas. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Freeport. A memorial has been established in her name. Please visit www.burketubbs.com to sign the online guestbook.