Merita Elizabeth Welch

ROCKFORD - Merita Elizabeth Welch, beloved wife, sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, and friend passed away peacefully at the age of 78 on Thursday January 11, 2024 with her family by her side. Born in Lodz, Poland on September 20, 1945, Merita Weber came to the U.S. at the age of 5, with her family.  She grew up in Rockford, IL and graduated with the class of 1963 at Auburn High School.  She worked at Topp's Deptartment store with her lifelong friend Bonnie Smith. Rita married and raised 4 children while dedicating 30 years of her life as a home daycare provider. Her passions in life were children and flowers; she loved to watch them grow. In addition to children, her house and yard was full of any pet that came to her door hungry. She enjoyed baking and never showed up to parties without her famous Swedish Puffs. Her yard was full of beautiful hostas and flowers where she loved hosting numerous pool parties for her family, children, friends and neighbors of Mulford Wildwoods. Throughout her life, she could be found volunteering in many places such as Emmanuel Lutheran's Soup Kitchen, Sunday School program, Youth Group, Rockford Rescue Mission, and dropping off many donations at Goldie Floberg Center.

Survived by her children, Ron (Jen) Correnti, Michael (Kim) Zaphel, Melissa (Pepe) Zaphel, Michelle (Refat) Hasankolli and Chad (Whitney) Welch; sister, Hannah (Gary) Lavold; grandchildren, Christy Correnti, Megan Zaphel, Matthew Zaphel, Nicolette Welch, Leah Welch and Colton Welch; and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her beloved husband, William Welch "Dr. Bill" and mother, Melanie Weber.

Celebration of Life Memorial held Saturday January 20, 2024 from 4:30-8:30pm in the private room, with a Memorial Toast at 5:30 pm at Shogun/Izakaya 88 Restaurant, 293 Executive Pkwy, Rockford. Cremation rites accorded. Private interment at Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery, Rockford. Christenson Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements, In lieu of flowers, memorials to:

Goldie Floberg - https://www.goldiefloberg.org/

C.A.R.E. For P.E.T.S - https://wecareforpets.org/

Rockford Rescue Mission - https://www.rockfordrescuemission.org/

The family would like to give special thanks to Highview in the Woodlands and Northern IL Hospice for their exceptional care.

www.rockfordfunerals.com