Bernadette D. Furon

Bernadette “Bernie” D. Furon, 93, of Rockford, IL, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2026. Born, raised, and a lifelong resident of Rockford, Bernie devoted her life to her faith, her family, and her community. A deeply devoted Catholic, she was honored as Catholic Woman of the Year in 2008 and also started Divine Mercy Sunday in Rockford. Her faith was the foundation of her life, reflected in her kindness, humility, and unwavering love for others. Bernie was a woman of dedication and service. In 1986, she founded the Rosary Makers, a ministry she faithfully led for 40 years, touching countless lives through her devotion. She was also a proud co-owner of Penguin Foods, a family business originally started by her parents, which she lovingly ran alongside her three brothers. Above all, Bernie loved her family more than anything. She was a sweet, humble, and loyal woman whose warmth and gentle spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lester Furon; her father and mother, Joseph and Veronica Ciembronowicz; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Matthew (Marion) Ciembronowicz, Chester (Nellie) Ciembronowicz, and Edmund (Jennie) Ciembronowicz. She is survived by her loving daughter, Yvonne (Robert) Trown; her cherished grandchildren, Alexis (Alex) Kaliniak, and Spencer (Madison) Trown; and her treasured great-granddaughters, Monroe, Sterling, Charlie, Jolene, and Delilah; and many dearly loved nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Bernie’s family would also like to extend heartfelt gratitude to her devoted caregivers, Erma, Galina, and Mary, for their love, compassion, and care. Bernie will be remembered as a woman of deep faith, humility, and kindness - a devoted servant of God and a loving matriarch whose legacy will live on through all who were blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Visitation will be at 10 a.m. Monday, April 27, 2026, at St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church, 201 Buckbee Street, Rockford, IL, with Rosary recited at 10:40 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Burial at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Winnebago, IL. Arrangements by Delehanty Funeral Home, 401 River Lane, Loves Park, IL.