Mary Jo McKenzie, 70, of Rockford, Ill., passed away May 22, 2017. Born April 9, 1947, in Northfield, Minn., the daughter of Lauren Murdock and Evelyn S. (Halverson) McKenzie.

A lifelong educator, Mary Jo taught for over 25 years at both Spectrum and Page Park Schools in the Rockford area. Her true passion was all things nature. Hiking through natural prairie reserves enjoying the wild flowers and birds was where she found her peace. Throughout her whole life, she loved animals. Cindy, her childhood horse; Cody and Oscar, her faithful dogs; and Quicksliver, her favorite ram who lived at the farm where she retired in 2014. Despite the hurdles she faced after being diagnosed with Glioblastoma in June, she was able to realize her most fervent wish of holding her grandson, Maximilian.

Survived by her sons, Scott (Melissa) Cleary and Nathan Edlen ‘03 (Renee); grandson, Maximilian Bengt Edlen; brothers, Kenneth (Carol) McKenzie and Mark (Carolyn) McKenzie; Kristi Pasek and many special friends, including the network of friends that provided assistance during Mary Jo’s treatments. Predeceased by her parents.

Memorial service was May 26, 2017, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Road. Memorial service and burial took place in Northfield, Minn. Memorials may be made to Severson Dells Nature Center www.seversondells.com. To express online condolences, please visit: www.fitzgeraldfh.com.