Rosann G. Gerrard

Tonight at 4:50am my Bella Cella (Italian: "Beautiful Angel") went home to be with her Father, Mother, passed husband Jim, and all the family and friends who have preceded her. I was at her side when she quietly passed. No pain; she was at peace and just stopped breathing with a gentle sigh. A real lady, to the end. She was many things during her life, but first of all a lover of people. She attended Catholic schools most of her young life in the city of Chicago that she loved so much. After graduation, she worked at the original Midas Muffler and knew the "old man" well. She once stopped an armed robbery by facing down a man with a gun there. She became a Drag Racer known as "Big Mama" while going to College, driving a 1970 Hemi Orange Dodge Challenger 383 Magnum. She knew Shirley Muldowney, met Don Garlits, Kalitta, Ivo, Prudhomme, and many other famous racers. When she finished her First Degree in Psychology, she worked with Jerry Lewis and his "Kids." And she met a Biker named Jim who would become her first husband. They tried to start a Bakery specializing in cheesecakes called JMS Cheesecakes (the sign guys misspelled "JIMS"), before getting a job in Customer Service at one of Chicago's largest Firms. She became their first Female Vice President because of the care she and her diverse team gave to accounts that included the Chicago Bears, Blackhawks, and Bulls, and Oprah Winfrey. Michael Jordan, "the Fridge," Oprah Winfrey, Roger Penske, and many other famous people came to love her for her selfless service to them. Roger introduced her to Steve McQueen at his house and she said "one look in those deep blue eyes, and I stood there speechless." With the money she made, she supported her husband, a brilliant man, as he obtained his Engineering degree. Upon graduation, he got a job offer in Florida. She left her successful career to go to Florida with her husband. She finished her Masters degree in Psychology and continued in Customer Service at several companies. Her husband died in her arms of a massive heart attack, which devastated her. It was two years after that I met Rosann, and we began dating on and off. She knew I was the one right away, because women are smarter than men. Me, I had affairs that I had to get out of my system with an ex-wife and childhood sweetheart, both miserable failures-- proving men ARE dumber than women. I finally woke up and admitted fate and dated Rosann for two years, before marrying her 8 1/2 years ago. I can say it has been the best 10 1/2 years of my life, because she taught so much about loving, family, friendship and letting the child in you out. I join many people who are richer for having known her. I will keep you informed about events here in the coming days. "Good-bye my Bella Cella..." Rosann Gerrard, devoted wife to Arthur Kirt and the late James Gerrard. She was the daughter of the late Leroy and Josephine Burger, fond daughter-in-law of Jemma Kirt, a loving sister to Diane (Ray) Cantelo, Joyce Ochodnicky and Carol (John) Cleek. She was also a very special aunt to many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.heathfuneralchapel.com