Pauline M. Vesta, age 71, of Rockford and formerly of Belvidere, Il went to be in the arms of Jesus early Thursday morning, October 20, 2005 at Swedish American Hospital after a lingering illness. She was born December 2, 1933 in Belvidere the daughter of Carl and Mabel (Swanson) Sunden. Pauline graduated from Belvidere High School and married Vernon A. Vesta in Belvidere on June 18, 1960. Over the years, Pauline worked as a bookkeeper for Belvidere Products, Rockford Christian School and for the last 17 years at Circle Boring. Pauline was an exemplary Christian woman. She was a faithful member of Belvidere Evangelical Covenant Church where she served on the deaconess board, music committee. She also served as church secretary, taught Sunday school and was an AWANA leader at the church. Music was a vital part of Pauline's life. She shared her gift and talent at church by playing the piano, singing in the adult choir for more than 50 years, participating in a string band and singing in a women's sextet. Pauline's keen mind and generous spirit made people comfortable. Long after meeting Pauline, people would remember her kindness. Besides being an avid reader, Pauline enjoyed playing games especially Parcheesi and spending time with her family. She was very proud of her Swedish heritage and was passionate about passing this to future generations.Survivors include her daughter, Karin (Tim) Smiley of Rockford; grandson Ryan V. Smiley; sister, Shirley (John) Davis of Rockford; step children, Janice (Floyd) Schroeder of Sycamore and Richard (Pam) Vesta of Greenbay, WI; many nieces and nephews including those with whom she had a special relationship, Cindy (Keith) Doering, Valerie (Chuck) Peterson, Tanya (Mike) Hulstedt and Kristine (Bryan) Dickson, numerous cousins and a host of friends. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Vernon; infant sister, Betty Ann Sunden and many aunts and uncles.

Memorials can be made to Evangelical Covenant Church in her memory.