Mary Frances Misevich

Mary Frances Misevich, age 88, passed away on Monday, June 13, 2016, in her home after a long illness with the comfort of her loving daughter, Allyson, by her side. Mary was born August 14, 1927, in Indianapolis, IN, the daughter of Lola and Murrell Caplinger and the baby sister of June Marie Kretsos. Her family moved to Beloit, WI, and throughout high school Mary sang with the Rhythm Masters dance band performing at Lake Lawn in Delavan and Lake Geneva. She graduated from Brokel Music College in Chicago, IL and toured the country as the soloist with Don Scott and his 14 piece orchestra, singing at such famous places as The Broadmoor Hotel, Colorado Springs, CO; the St. Francis Hotel, San Francisco, CA; and The Palmer House, Chicago, IL. After enjoying her successful singing career, she married the love of her life, Joseph Robert Misevich and they settled in Rockford, IL. They had one daughter, Mary Allyson Misevich Stine who was the apple of their eye. As a family they loved travelling everywhere: Alaska, Hawaii, Europe, Mexico, the Orient, Rio de Janeiro and many cruises like the Virgin Islands, Panama Canal, and the Greek Islands. They especially enjoyed their cabin cruiser, boating the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers and finally moored at the Abbey on Lake Geneva in Wisconsin. Mary's love of flowers was everywhere from her gorgeous backyard Garden Walk Japanese Gardens, to her oil paintings and handmade orchids in gold jewelry. She also had a flair for interior design and worked a few years as an interior decorator for Carriere Interiors in Rockford. Mary was very active as the District Director of the Garden Club of Illinois, President of the Winnebago County Garden Center and Oakvale, Director of the Blackhawk Orchid Society, Klehm Arboretum and Rose Judge. She was an officer of Rockford Woman's Club, past chairman of the Pink Ball, President of Ostende Formal Dance Club and member of St. Bridgetís Catholic Church, also attending mass at St. Rita's Catholic Church with Allyson's family. Mary is survived by her only child, Mary Allyson Misevich Stine (David), her only grandchild Michael David Stine (fiancee Anne Marie Schilling), and her precious constant companion "Honey" the Yorkie. She was preceded in death by Joseph, her dear husband of 47 years in 1996, her loving sister June Marie, and her beloved mother and father. Special thanks to caregiver Vicki Dean and Heartland Hospice who assisted Allyson with her undying devotion and care of her mother. Visitation is Thursday, June 16, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. with the recitation of the Rosary with Fr. Keith Romke at St. Bridget's Catholic Church, 600 Clifford Ave., Loves Park, IL prior to the Catholic Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Msgr. Gerald P. Kobbeman at 11 a.m. Interment at Greenwood Cemetery, 1011 Auburn St., Rockford. Luncheon to follow at Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Rd., Rockford, IL.