Friends and colleagues gathered Sunday to celebrate the life of Winnebago County Board Member Mary Ann Aiello.
Gatherers met at the Irish Rose in downtown Rockford to share memories. The long-time county board member passed away fighting bone cancer Thursday morning at the age of 59.
She was recognized as a defender of "the little guy and gal" and those who knew her well say she'll be missed both as a politician and a friend.
"She didn't represent special interests, she didn't represent big companies, or even government. She always seemed to be on the side of being the advocate for the person that had no voice," says State Senator Dave Syverson.
"She talked like this all the time, like she had a mouthful of gravel and she was always fun to be around and she liked to laugh and tell a good joke," adds long-time friend Frank Schier.
A visitation will be held for Mary Ann Monday at Delehanty Funeral Home from four to seven. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday at St. James Church.