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Rosemary T. Azzaro

Rosemary T. Azzaro, 90, died June 11, 2014, at her home in Sun City, Ariz., surrounded by her sister Rita, nephew Tom Svejcar, niece Peggy Henson and faithful caregivers Sandra Grix and Sylma Sagahon. 

She was born May 11, 1924, to Raymond and Mary A. (Murray) Donovan, in Woodstock. She married Anthony “Tony” Azzaro.

Her public service career spanned of 48 years, during which she worked in the McHenry County Government Center where she was well respected for her diligence. She started as a clerk in the county clerk’s office and later served as deputy county clerk for 18 years. In 1978, she was elected McHenry County clerk, an office she held until her retirement in 1990. 

She was an avid golfer, a passion she shared with Tony. They first met at a golf course. 

Together they shared many wonderful years and friends while golfing at the Woodstock Country Club, courses throughout Chicagoland, Wisconsin and in Arizona, where she was a member of the Lady Lynx Golf League. It was there that she shot her second hole in one and played until age 88. A fractured  hip from a fall ended her golfing. 

Rosie will be remembered and will be missed by her family and many friends for her winning smile, tremendous spirit and generous heart. 

She is survived by her sister, Rita Donovan; stepson, Anthony “Jerry” Azzaro Jr. (Jerry); and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and 10 nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her husband of almost 45 years; three stepchildren, Mary Ellen (Thomas) Parker, Joseph Azzaro and Barbara (William) Wallace; her parents; two sisters, Evangeline Svejcar and Eleanor (Sister Paula, CSC) Donovan; and a brother, Harold Donovan. 

Her cremains were returned to Woodstock for interment, accompanied by her dedicated care manager, Pamela Braun. A visitation will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday, July 11, in the St. Joseph Center of St. Mary Catholic Church, 312 Lincoln Ave., until the 11 a.m. funeral Mass.  Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. 

Memorial donations may be made to either Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, Ariz. 85014; The Sisters of the Holy Cross Development Office, 100 Lourdes Hall – St. Mary’s, Notre Dame, IN 46556; or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Local arrangements were made by Schneider-Leucht-Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home.

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