Maria De Venuto
OBITUARY
Maria De Venuto, 83, of Manhattan, peacefully passed away on May 7th in Joliet.
She was born on April 9, 1943 to Michele Tito and Rosaria Musto Tito in
Ripacandida, Italy.
A woman who lived for her family in unwavering faith, she was the beloved wife of the late Tony De Venuto for 56 years; adored and loving mother of the late John (Valerie) De Venuto, the late Joanne (Steve) Walling, Rosemarie (Michael) Petrizzo, and Michele De Venuto. Devoted grandmother of Michael, Rosemaria, Daniella, Jessica, Courtney, Joanne, and Ryan. As the youngest of seven children, Maria was the beloved aunt of many nieces and nephews.
Maria immigrated to America from Ripacandida, Italy in 1964 after marrying Tony at the age of 20, leaving behind her much of her family and the only culture and language they knew for a land of promise, as many did at that time. They started their family in Blue Island, IL., where her aunt Anntonette and sister Lucia helped her adapt to her new life.
Her house in Blue Island was a haven for family and friends. Food was her love language and holiday traditions were always on the menu: fish on Christmas Eve, pasta with bread crumbs on Easter, making sauce every summer, wine every fall, and weekly Sunday family dinner.
A resilient, strong woman and a devout follower of Jesus, she persevered through loss as well as many illnesses that she faced in her later years. She was a firm believer, prayed and read her Bible daily and exuded Jesus-like love to all those around her. As Nonna to seven grandchildren, she loved and cared for each as they grew up.
Maria loved being with her friends and family, dancing, singing, listening to music, cooking, baking, playing cards, talking on the phone, going shopping and out for ice cream, and the occasional vacation.
On one of those vacations decades later, she and Tony briefly returned to Italy, introducing their children to their original home. The pure joy in their eyes conveyed how much it meant to be where they had grown up and, deep down, still considered home. Maria was able to see her sisters Assunta and Carmelina one last time.
Maria’s last years were challenging as her Alzheimer’s progressed, but she was at peace in the presence of her daughters. As difficult as it is to be without her, her family knows she is home with the Lord and with the ones she lost in her lifetime but will spend eternity loving in Heaven.
Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of Maria De Venuto on May 12th at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home (507 S State St, Manhattan, IL). A wake will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., with funeral services immediately following from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Burial will take place at 3:00 p.m with luncheon to follow.