ROCKFORD—The weekend of Dec. 14 and 15, Jody Deery hosted her final year of nativity displays in her Rockford home to benefit Catholic Women’s League. 

 

She and her late husband, Hugh, began collecting nativities decades ago. Others came to her as gifts. The couple traveled each year after their race track business closed for the season, which put their annual travels shortly before Christmas. 

 

More than 300 nativities graced mantles, tables, shelves, a Christmas tree, a bath tub, the lawn, entryway and halls. They range from about 1 inch high to 3 to 4 feet high, from expensive creations to hand-drawn and framed. They are made of porcelain, glass, wood, metal, clay, paper mache, cloth, materials native to various countries, plastic and even cola bottles. 

 

A table full of treats and wassail was provided by the Catholic Women’s League. Donations will help CWL serve the Poor Clare Nuns and a variety of other people in the Rockford area.