Penny J. Ellison

Penny J. Ellison, 64, passed away at 10:45 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2011, in OSF St. Anthony Medical Center after a courageous eight year battle with cancer.  Born March 25, 1947 in Rockford, the daughter of Marshall K. and Doris (Finley) Ellison.  She graduated from West High School in 1965 and was a member of the first graduating class at Rock Valley College.  She received her BA Degree at Rockford College and Masters Degree from National College of Education.  Penny was an elementary school teacher in the Rockford Public Schools for 40 years.  She also worked at Zanocco's Ace Hardware for more than 20 years.  She was an avid reader of mystery novels and loved her flowers and garden, but her true love and real passion in life involved her students.  She believed that every child was equally important.  With her dedication and commitment to excellence, she had a positive impact on the lives of more than 800 children within the Rockford community.  She is cherished and loved by family and friends, and is truly missed.  Survivors include: her mother; 2 sisters: Christine (Richard) Estes of Cherry Valley and Barbara Stevens of Great Falls, MT; 2 brothers: Richard Ellison and Steven (Cathleen) Ellison, both of Rockford; 3 nieces: Rachael Estes (Eric Hill), of Rockford, Tria (Andy) Belcourt of Claremont, CA and Stephanie Doster of MT.; 3 nephews: David Estes of Myrtle Beach, SC, Nicholas Ellison of Rockford, Derek Ellison; great nephew: Rowan Belcourt; great niece: Courtney Estes and very special friends: Chris May and Donene Sand.  Predeceased by her father, sister, Sandra and nephew, Timothy Ellison. In the hope to aid others, Penny chose to leave her remains to NIU for anatomical study.
Penny's life will be celebrated with a memorial service at 3:00 p.m., Monday, Aug. 15, 2011 in Christ United Methodist Church, 4509 Highcrest Rd., Rockford.  Arrangements by Sundberg Funeral Home, Ltd., 215 N. Sixth St., Rockford, IL.  The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the Doctors, Nurses, CNA's and staff of St. Anthony Hospital and the St. Anthony Center for Cancer Care.  Memorials may be directed to: "Susan G. Komen For the Cure". Phone: 1-877-465-6636.  Online condolences may be left at www.sundbergfh.com

3:00 pm, Monday, August 15, 2011 in Christ United Methodist Church, 4509 Highcrest Road, Rockford, IL