PHYLLIS JEAN MARIE HOWARD, 58 LOVING MOTHER, GRANDMOTHER AND FRIEND ROCKFORD – Phyllis Jean Marie Howard, 58, of Rockford, entered into Heaven on Wednesday, July 27, 2011, at SwedishAmerican Hospital, with family at her side. Born Feb. 13, 1953, in Chicago, the daughter of John Henry and Elizabeth O. (Gupton) Howard. Graduate of West High School and attended Rock Valley College. Phyllis was one of the last known alarm operators for the Rockford Fire Department, beginning her career there in 1982 to present. Before the Fire Department she held various positions, sometimes working three jobs at a time. She worked at SwedishAmerican Hospital, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, retail positions and also took on a cleaning job. Phyllis enjoyed gardening and being with family whenever she could. She was an enthusiastic, hardworking, fun loving employee. She took pride in her job at the Fire Department and was an active member of Local 413 where she helped organize family picnics and worked tirelessly on many fundraisers. She was a fantastic mother, grandmother and friend to many, she will be missed by all.. Survivors include daughter, Cara Peyten; grandchildren, Jordan Peyten, Michael Parker, Willow Northcot, Kendra, Mikayla and Jazmin Peyten; special companion, Hennessey “Pig” Howard; aunt, Ollieruth Madison; and numerous additional family members and special friends. The family wishes to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you to the doctors and nurses at SwedishAmerican Hospital, and to the Rockford Fire Department for loving and accepting her as family.