Maria C Hatfield

Maria (Nelson Gagliano) Hatfield, 95, of Loves Park died peacefully at home on Saturday, May 28, after a long illness. Maria was born on April 6, 1916 in Scona, Sweden. She married Arthur Hatfield in 1949 in Rockford. Maria was a lifetime member of The Eagles Club and served on the women’s auxiliary. She enjoyed sewing and mending for her family. Her grandchildren looked forward to listening to her witty sayings, and stories about life in Sweden, and listening to special songs. She loved her family and was devoted to all their needs, she will be terribly missed. Maria is survived by her 2 daughters; Rose McCary, Judith (Wayne) Helmer both of the Rockford area, her siblings; Knute (Phyllis) Nelson of Pecatonica, Carl Nelson of Kingman Arizona, grandchildren; Jeffery Combs, Madison WI, Kristy (Kevin) Streit, Joseph McCary, Douglas McCary, Nick Helmer, Neal Helmer of Raleigh N.C., Michelle (Helmer) Berry of Rockford, great-grandchildren, Melinda (Hector) Montoya, Keri Streit, Candice (Don) Keen, Arthur (Lydia) Combs, Fawn Helmer, Tiffany (Brandon) Swain, Gretchen Helmer, Matthew Helmer, Amber Salcido, Anthony Helmer, Aaron McCary and Angus McCary, all of the Rockford area. 9 great-great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. Maria is preceded in death by her parents, siblings; Helge (Ginger) Nelson, Eric (Ethel) Nelson, Gunnard (Adeline) Nelson, Nels (Joey) Nelson, Astrid Buttvola, Ruth Anderson, Edith Gulley, Signe Bertotti, and Linnea Hall, and a granddaughter, Karen Combs-Winkles A funeral will be held at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Rd. Machesney Park, on Wednesday, June 1, at 7 p.m. a visitation will be held from 5 p.m. until the time of service. A burial will take place at a later date. www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com