Mary Attardo, nee Rizzo, Ciminna, Sicily has now found eternal peace. A strong, kind, gentle and hardworking lady, “Little Mar” had a heart of gold. She was loved by all who knew her and will forever leave her mark on this world by the example she set. The matriarch of the family and mother to all who met her, Mary made everyone she met feel special, always looked for ways to help others and was in her happy place cooking big Italian meals with her family in the kitchen. Beloved wife of the late Gaetano “Guy” Attardo. Loving mother of Janet (Richard) Varchetto and JoAnn (John) Paldo. Adoring grandma to Michael (Kristen) Varchetto, Matthew (Diana) Varchetto, Lisa (Josh) Mietz, Gina (Matt) Hopkins, Jenna (Nathan) Foltz and Alyssa Paldo. Proud great grandmother to nine. Fond sister to Nick (Isabella) Rizzo, Sal Rizzo and Santo (Sharon) Rizzo. Loving step-daughter of Rosalia Rizzo. Aunt and great aunt to many nieces and nephews. She leaves behind many cherished extended family members and good friends. Proceeded in death by her parents, Giuseppa Urso Russo and Matteo Rizzo. Interment private at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. A celebration of life to be held when the world becomes a safer, healthier place where people can share memories and hugs. Arrangements handled by Gibbons Funeral Home, Elmhurst. 630-832-0018 or www.gibbonsfuneralhome.com
**As part of our continued service during this time, we will update this post with service information when available**
Leonarda Scimeca
Our deepest condolences to the whole family. Fred and Leonarda Scimeca
Ida Cassata
Janet and JoAnn
First and foremost we want to express our sincerest and deepest condolences on the loss of your mother.
My Mom was so so saddened and couldn’t hold back her tears when she heard the news. She always spoke so highly of her all the things they did for my parents when they came from Italy. She mentions to me all the time she can never forget how your father taught my father to drive he took him to a shopping center parking lot and made him go around and around then also taught him how to parallel park. They brought him chicken soup when my father was sick in the hospital and my mother hadn’t arrived from Italy yet. Being that they were here right from Italy with no family they were always in contact with them always telling them if there was anything they ever needed to let them know, The exact words she mentioned to me is they were like brothers and sisters.
She feels so bad that she is unable to see and kiss her for the last time, but understands how it is under these trying circumstances.
So please per moms words give her a kiss from me.
May she rest in peace God Bless
Angela Anzalone and family
JoAnn
Ida,
Thank you so much for sharing those stories. What wonderful memories our parents had with each other. Your mom has been so kind to always check in on my mom. I know how much my mom enjoyed their conversations and your mom’s company when she joined her for lunch at my house. Give your sweet mom a hug from me.
Love,
JoAnn
JoAnn
Mom, We are all completely heartbroken without you here. I’ve said many times in the past couple of days that in some ways the pain that I feel right now cuts so deep because of the vast void in my life without you. This sting reminds me of how deep our love was and how grateful I should be for this pain. You always told me I had your heart and I responded that you would forever have mine. You were perfect in every way. The best mother who was always there to fiercely love, help, support, be my travel companion on our many road trips, best friend, and the glue that held us all together. I will always stive to make you proud because of the legacy you’ve left for me. I love you forever and always. JoAnn
GL Attardo
Heartfelt condolences to Janet, JoAnn and your families. Gary loved her so and said he has great memories of her and Uncle Guy. He said how beautiful she was too. God gained an angel for sure. May God grant each of you strength and comfort, knowing is with our Lord and her family in heaven now. She will be your guardian angel watching from above. Prayers for each of you.
Maryellen Riotto Maloney
May God be with all of you and may Mary Rest In Peace.
Pat and Kathy Leonard
Love love love Little MarWe will miss her so much. We are sorry for your loss. May your many memories comfort you. Wish we could be with you. Our hearts are breaking. May you feel our love and support. Hugs to all of you. Love, Pat & Kathy
Tammy Wlosiak
My deepest sympathy to all of you. Sending prayers to all of you.
Sharon Rizzo
Mary was indeed a special person, and a wonderful sister to Santo, Sal and Nick. The world is a better place because she was in it….
The entire Santo Rizzo family is heartbroken and deeply saddened by Mary’s passing and will forever remember her for her many wonderful qualities which set her apart… our hearts go out to Janet and Rich and Joann and John and all her wonderful grandchildren
and great grandchildren….. may she be welcomed in heaven into God’s loving arms and be at peace… The Santo Rizzo family
Lucy and Kenny Kuharchuk
It is just a devastating loss. Mary was such a great lady. Our condolences to your family. Sending hugs and kisses.
Much love,
Lucy and Kenny
Chris Fitzgerald
Sending you hugs and love, Chris Fitzgerald and Family ❤️
Rose Nigliaccio
Sorry for your loss. Your mother was a very lovely lady. Our sincere condolences to your whole family.
Philip & Rose Nigliaccio
Marlene Armond
Mary we considered you family and know you felt the same. Joe and I will miss you Tremendously and only take comfort knowing that you are with your husband Guy and your mother. Love you Always. Shine Your Bright Light to Your Family. Marlene and Joe
Dan & Jo Rizzo
I loved Mary from the moment I met her. She had the most amazing way of making you feel as if you were the most important person in the room. Dan speaks so fondly of Mary he always has and I have enjoyed every story he has shared. You can feel the affect she had on people from the moment they speak her name. We will always remember Mary’s gentle soul and she will remain in our hearts forever. Much love and prayers for peace for all of you during this time.
Richard Foltz
To all the family, we are with you in sorrow and wish you God’s peace today and the days ahead as we miss Mary, such a dear mother and grandmother and our friend. With loving sadness,
Linda and Richard Foltz
Luisa Era
Very sorry for your loss. I will always remember Mary as the very loving and a little feisty woman who made everyone feel welcome. She was to be marveled at how hard she worked and how she always put her family as a priority. She lived a full and meaningful life and she will always be in my memories.
Cyndie Luizzi
Joann I am so very sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful Mother. You have such wonderful memories to hold on to. Love and hugs to you and your family
Ursula Di Prima
So sorry to hear about your Mom passing, she was a lovely lady. She is in our prayers as well as all your family. They are having ‘CLUB’ together in heaven…having lots of fun!!!!
With Much Love, The Benigno/Di Prima Family