Fern Annabelle Hildebrand of Rockford passed away Thursday, October 4, 2018 at Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center knowing she was deeply loved by her family. Fern was born on November 6, 1912 in Boone County, IL, the daughter of Franklin E. and Hattie M. Brown. She married Harold Hildebrand in the summer of 1930, and he preceded her in death in 1987. Fern was an accomplished seamstress, making hundreds of garments for family and friends. She also enjoyed gardening, crocheting and cooking for her family that she truly cherished. Fern is survived by her grandchildren Pamela (Larry) Hultgren and Scott Custer; grandson-in-law Dwight Lundberg; great-grandchildren Aleesha (Brandon) Pohl, Lindsay (Mark) Mallo, Matthew (Theresa) Lundberg and Marci (Terrance) Robinson; great-great grandchildren Aubree and Brynlee Pohl, Maxson, Emma and Annabelle Mallo, Haylee Lundberg, Ryder and Natalee Robinson; sister-in-law Theo Hildebrand; niece Dora May Meredith and nephew Terry (Joan) Hoffman.
Fern was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter Barbara Jean (Vern) Hornbeck, granddaughter Sheryl Lundberg, four brothers and three sisters.
The family would like to thank the staff at Fairhaven for their years of loving and compassionate care, also to Northern Illinois Hospice for their special care during her final two weeks.
Our hearts are broken without her, but we will continue to live by her example and share her legacy. Her favorite saying couldn’t be more fitting than at this time. So for now, “See you later alligator”
Service to celebrate Fern’s life will be 2:00 pm on Monday, October 8, 2018 at Sunset Funeral Home 8800 N. Alpine Road in Machesney Park; visitation for Fern will be from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm at the funeral home. Private family burial will follow services. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com
