



Doris Ann Nilsson, 83, of Rockford, went to her heavenly home on February 24, 2019. She was born in Rockford on June 1, 1935, to Gustav and Caroline (Vanderwarker) Benson. She graduated from East High School in 1953. She married Bill Nilsson on March 26, 1955. A true pair of soulmates, they could be found laughing and out dancing together whenever they could sneak away.





Bill loved her shining smile and her stylish sense of fashion that stayed with her throughout her life. Together they raised one son and three daughters. Many wonderful memories were made including many camping trips that were filled with lively activities as well as her love of traveling. They were married for 38 years until his passing in 1993. She was perfectly described as the sunshine in her family; simply put, she loved life.





Her family would swear she woke up with a smile, always bubbly and cheerful. Her spirited laugh will always be remembered by all who knew her. She was always looking for the good in people. She had a passion for animals, especially cats; she was always quick to donate to save animals’ lives and to share cute animal photos. Doris worked for many years for different companies as a secretary and she was a member of Salem Lutheran Church.





Affectionately remembered by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as “Grandma Dodo,” she always made sure that her family knew how much she loved them and how proud she was of them. She always made time to visit and to stay connected with her family and friends, she loved to “be in the know” and she remained one of the most active members of the family on social media until her passing.





Doris was an avid collector of memorable quotes; one of her favorite quotes of late said that “My home is my heaven.” We were blessed to have been able to share a slice of heaven with her here on earth. Doris was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bill, daughters Jody Donohoe and Heidi Nilsson, granddaughter Wendy Donohoe, and great-grandson Jack Marler. Doris was followed in death by her son Kim D. Nilsson on February 25, 2019.





Left to remember her grace and laughter are her daughter Susan (John) Howell, grandchildren Timothy (Kaydee) Marler II, Dawn (Dustin) Burton, Robert Nilsson, and Trisha (Jay) Montgomery; great-grandchildren Dylan and Gavin Burton, Hailey Donohoe, Keyara and Jayla Montgomery, Daniel Arroyo, and David Marler; and brother James L. Benson.





There will be a Celebration of Life and burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens at a later date. Stateline Cremations is assisting the family. www.statelinecremations.com The family would like to give a special thank you to Hospice Care of America for their years of service to Doris; without them, they surely wouldn’t have had her with them as long as they did.

Loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother