Marian Carpenter

CARPENTER (Rockford) - Mrs. Marian Carpenter, age 89, passed away on Tuesday, November 17, 2009. She was a 1938 graduate of Comstock Park High School along with 27 graduating seniors and was the class valedictorian. Marian played basketball, and her high school sweetheart, Don, always watched the game. If she made the shot, he would give her 25 cents. After a loving courtship, they were married on February 6, 1940. Once her children were grown, Marian worked for Eberhardt Foods for 15 years. She tended her own garden until 2005, and loved to knit. Her afghans have become cherished gifts to family and friends with some being donated for a raffle at the Cancer Walk where her granddaughter is active. Her life has been devoted to her faith in God, her husband, children, grandchildren and their families. She would pray the Rosary daily and some time more than that. Marian is survived by her children, Bob and Pat Carpenter, Mike and Karen Carpenter, Tom Carpenter; a daughter in-law, Mrs. Brenda Carpenter; 13 grandchildren; 30 great grandchildren; sister, Mrs. Fran DeVoogd; sister in-law, Mrs. Ceil VanAntwerp; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; her son, William Carpenter; daughter-in-law, Carolyn Carpenter; sister, Ruth Wasker; and a brother, Jack VanAntwerp. The Mass of Christian Burial for Mrs. Carpenter will be Friday at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church, Rockford. Inurment will be in Blythefield Memory Gardens. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the memorial fund at Our Lady of Consolation Church. Family and friends may gather at the church with the family from 10 a.m. until the time of mass. Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com