Vicki L Bilodeau

Vicki L. (Cummings) Bilodeau, 62, of Rockford went to be in the arms of her Lord at 9:51 p.m. on Wednesday, June 8, 2011, at Provena Cor Mariae Center surrounded by her loving family. She was born 12 weeks premature on March 31, 1949 to Clifford and Sally Cummings. She attended Harlem schools, where she played flute and was a National Honor Society Member, and attended Rock Valley College. Graduated Cum Laude from Rockford College in 1994, with a Bachelor's Degree majoring in accounting. Through the years she worked with wonderful people at Winnebago Council on Aging, Milestone, Swedish American Hospital, and the Village of Winnebago. She was married to Bill Bilodeau for 26 years; they divorced and remained friends until the end. For the last 15 years she and Joe Johnson had been friends and companions, traveling to Las Vegas, Hawaii, Grand Canyon, and the Dakotas. She shared his appreciation for Harley Davidson motorcycles, dinners at Stockholm Inn and Culver's of Winnebago, cups of coffee, glasses of good wine, and just being on the go. Vicki also had an appreciation for shopping especially for jewelry. Her favorite stores were Kohl's and Bergner's; she had a vast collection of coffee mugs, good books, teddy bears, and character socks. In her younger years she demonstrated a green thumb and loved to fill her house with every species of plants and took pride in her flowerbeds. She adored cats and shared her home with siblings Sam and Kelsey whom, she showered with affection. Vicki identified strongly with her Irish heritage and proudly sported her little shamrock tattoo on her ankle. She leaves behind her devoted boyfriend, Joe Johnson, she is surived by her daughter, Nicole (David) Traum; her son Jason (Diane) Bilodeau; grandchildren,Amber Bilodeau, Megan and Logan Traum; brother Terry; many cousins, nieces, nephews, and loving "in-law" family members. She is preceded in death by her parents Cliff and Sally Cummings.

"We spend precious hours fearing the inevitable. It would be wise to use that time adoring our families, cherishing our friends, and living our lives." -Maya Angelou

The family would like to thank Dr. Alexander, Dr. Korkmaz, nurses Peggy and Megan at OSF; Dr. Metha and staff at UW Madison; Dr. Savic and nurses Eric; N. IL Hospice, Provena Cor Mariiae staff and Dave Firkens of Ameriprise Finacial as well as numerous friends from Vicki's workplaces that have maintained contact over the years. A special thank you to the Village of Winnebago and the Board, Vicki's last place of employment, for their generosity after her diagnosis of brain cancer.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, June 11 at 2 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home. 8800 N. Alpine Rd. Machesney Park. With a visitation from 1 p.m. until the time of service. Memorials may be made to Milestone to benefit resident activites who always had a special place in Vicki's heart.