Thomasetta Chilton

Thomasetta “Tommy” Chilton was born on August 30, 1944, and passed peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on September 11, 2026.

Tommy was born and raised in Rockford, Illinois, the daughter of Thomas and Jennie Matuszewski. Her grandparents immigrated to the United States from Poland, and Tommy was very proud of her Polish roots. Her grandsons lovingly called her “Busia,” and Tommy was often heard proudly proclaiming, “Polish Power!”

Tommy married Norman Chilton of Durand, Illinois, in 1969, and together they had two children, Melinda and Eric. Norm and Tommy were best friends—and great jitterbug partners.

Tommy graduated from Rockford’s East High School in 1962. After her two children were in school, she attended Rockford College, now Rockford University, where she earned a degree in education. She went on to earn her master’s degree and began a long and meaningful career as a third-grade teacher at Durand Elementary School. She finally retired in 2010.

Tommy loved to stay active. She spent time in her flower garden, enjoyed her Mahjong and book clubs, as well as walks and bike rides with friends. She even learned to play golf so she could join her father on the golf course. Eventually, she traded in her golf clubs for a pickleball racket.

Tommy also enjoyed walking the fields of her farm to the top of a hill, where she would sit on her bench and take in the view of rolling farmland.

She loved to travel and especially enjoyed the many days she spent visiting her daughter in California.

Tommy loved to laugh. Her family often teased her about her distinctive snort-honk of a laugh—one that was impossible not to join in on because it was so contagious.

Tommy was also a huge Tom Jones fan. His music was often heard throughout the house as Tommy sang and danced along. Her four-year-old grandsons loved to dance to Tom Jones with their Busia, too. His music helped carry Tommy through her journey with lymphoma and was playing right up until her final moments. Thank you, Sir Tom Jones, for always being there for our Mama.

Tommy is survived by her daughter, Melinda (Andy Goldberg) Chilton; son, Eric Chilton; twin grandsons, Eli and Waylon, and their big brother, Logan; their mother, Jenn Haughton; sister, Mary Ann (Mike) Hughes; brother, Larry Matuszewski; and her nemesis, an old barn cat named Angus.

Tommy was preceded in death by her husband, Norman Chilton, and her brother, Gerry Matuszewski.

A funeral ceremony will be held at 11:30 a.m. on September 26, 2026, at Durand United Methodist Church, with Pastor Brenda Morris officiating. Burial will be in Durand Township Cemetery. A visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the ceremony on Saturday, September 26, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Tommy’s memory with a donation to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, through the Imagination Library of Illinois, which provides free books to children across Illinois. Just click this link:
https://donate.imaginationlibrary.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com