PHYLLIS J. ROMEO, 80 ROCKFORD - Phyllis J. Romeo, 80, of Rockford, formerly of Freeport, died Wednesday, August 13, 2014, at her home. Born June 30, 1934, in Freeport; she was the daughter of Ray K. and Florence (Lower) Mead. For many years she was a waitress at Golden Coral in Freeport and Ryan's Steak House in Rockford. She enjoyed spending time with her family, and was a very loving mother and a friendly person that everyone liked. Surviving are her children, Anthony Romeo, Barbara Romeo, Beverly Romeo, all of Rockford, Joyce Romeo of Colorado, Mark Romeo of Rockford; nine grandchildren, Barbara Elaine Romeo, Ray Richard Romeo, Crystal Tanner, Beverly Tanner, Denton Carpenter, Darren Carpenter, Winter Romeo, Aurora Romeo and Anastasia Romeo; two sisters, Dolores (Al) Opatz of Lisbon, IA, Joanne (Skeeter) Knodle of Freeport; one brother, Richard Mead of Freeport; many nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents; grandchild, Brandon Carpenter; and a sister at infancy. Visitation will be 10 until 11 a.m. Monday, August 18, 2014, at Walker Mortuary. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the mortuary. Burial will be at the Oakland Cemetery and Mausoleum Freeport. A memorial fund has been established in her name. Phyllis's family invites friends to share a story or light a candle in her honor at walkermortuary.com.