Olivia Mary Akey

Olivia Mary Akey, 90, of Rockford, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 20, 2019. Born on July 9, 1929 in Cherry Valley, IL. Daughter of John Henry and Nora (Forbes) Greenlee. United in marriage to Clare Duane Akey on April 5, 1947 at First Presbyterian Church in Belvidere. He predeceased her on January 9, 2004. Together they moved to Mendota in 1951 until 1997 when she returned to Rockford to be closer to family. Her career span from working as a Telephone Operator at General Telephone to managing Parkway Restaurant in Mendota to being a Walmart Greeter for 25 years where she was lovingly called “Sunshine” until she finally retired. Olivia was a 50 year Auxiliary member of the VFW Post 4079 of Mendota and VFW Post 9759 of Loves Park. She loved anything butterflies and Angels. She collected spoons from the different states and Salt & Pepper shakers. She was an excellent cook and baker especially known for chili sauce, cookies and pickle making. She loved music, dancing and loved to sing especially going to sing-a-longs. Above all anytime spent with her family was where she wanted to be.

Survived by her children, Susan Chiodo, Michael (Davette) Akey, Rhonda (Frank) Schmitt, Brian (Mary) Akey; 13 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; niece, Linda (Bill) Graf; nephew, Jeff (Linda) Swanson. Predeceased by her parents; spouse; daughter, Gail Hunter; son-in-law, Frank Chiodo; sister, Josephine Swanson.

Family wishes to thank all the nurses and CNA’s at Alden Debes for taking such great loving care of our Mom and keeping her “Spunky”.

Celebration of Life Memorial Service at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 28 at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine, Machesney Park. Visitation at 9 a.m. until time of service. Private Family Inurnment on a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family to be established at a later date. To share a condolence www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com