ROCKFORD—The Rockford Deanery Council of Catholic Women held its 28th annual Catholic Women of the Year Banquet on Nov. 7 at Francesco’s Ristorante, here.

 

Because the event had to be cancelled last year after honorees had already been chosen by their parishes, those 2020 women were honored this year by most parishes of the Rockford Deanery which encompasses Winnebago and Boone counties as well as part of Ogle and Stephenson counties.

 

Diane Roman, deanery president, welcomed the crowd and Josie Whaley, diocesan CCW president also gave greetings. Bishop David Malloy provided the blessing before dinner was served. 

 

Dinner was followed by the introduction of honorees and presentation of awards, concluding with benediction and remarks from Father Kenneth Stachyra, spiritual advisor for the Rockford Deanery CCW, who highlighted the often-present quality of humility in the annual honorees.

 

Each of the parish nominations noted their parish was “blessed,” “honored,” or “thankful” for all the work and leadership shown by their honoree.

 

The Rockford Deanery 2020 Women of Inspiration, recognized in 2021, are:

 

Belvidere -- St. James: Barbara Olson

Durand/Irish Grove -- St. Mary/St. Patrick: Margaret (Peggy) Stewart

Loves Park -- St. Bridget: Sue Claus

Pecatonica -- St. Mary: Jeanne Johns

Rockford

Cathedral of St. Peter: Nancy Gough

Holy Family: Patricia Roskowski

St. Anthony of Padua: Patricia Creamer (posthumously)

St. Bernadette: Joanne Broadus (not present)

St. Edward: Claudia Soberanes

St. James: Claudia Woodward

St. Mary Oratory: Adrienne Marie Majewski

St. Patrick: Maria dal Socorro Bautista

SS. Peter and Paul: Victoria Montoya

St. Rita: Laura Ortiz

St. Stanislaus Kostka: Susan (Dzielak) Moberg

Roscoe -- Church of the Holy Spirit: Jane Carrell