Marie A Cilella

Marie Archangela Cilella, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, died peacefully on October 18, 2024, at the age of 96, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She was born December 7, 1927, the daughter of the late Frank and Margaret Cavico. She was the twin sister of the late Mary Frances Cavico and the older sister of the late Frank Cavico Jr.

A long-time resident of Chicago, she grew up in the Little Italy neighborhood where she came to love the arts and music and became a regular at the Jane Addams Hull House. She studied piano at an early age and could often be found playing duets with her twin sister. After graduating from St. Mary's Academy in Prairie du Chien, she attended DePaul University where she studied accounting. In 1950, she married the late Basil Cilella, who she met in the first grade. Marie and Basil spent 54 years together, raised four children and traveled the world over. Marie was a devout Catholic and her ultimate passion was her family. She was always there to offer her love and support, guidance and advice or simply to be a strong moral compass. An accomplished culinary artist, there was nothing more she loved than sharing her kitchen with family and bringing everyone together while enjoying a glass of red wine. Probably best known for her annual Christmas Eve’s Italian Feast of the Fishes, it was a sight to behold. She was active well into her 90s, traveling to Europe, attending exercise classes, and volunteering her time working with children with special needs. A true matriarch, she will be missed.

Marie is predeceased by her parents, siblings, husband, her son Michael’s wife, Diane Cilella and her grandson, Matthew Meyer. She is survived by her children, Michael Cilella, Mark Cilella, Janet (Michael) Meyer, Scot (Gloria) Cilella, her grandchildren, Nicole (Aaron) Warner, Daniel (Nikki) Cilella, Anthony Cilella, Jessica (Jonathon) Zinkel, Austin Cilella, Gianna Cilella, Joshua Meyer, Marissa Meyer, Maria Meyer and her eight great grandchildren. We will always carry her memory in our hearts.

A visitation for Marie will be held Wednesday, October 23, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Orland Funeral Home, 9900 W 143RD ST, ORLAND PARK, IL 60462. A graveside service will occur Thursday, October 24, 2024 from 11:00 AM at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleums, 1400 S Wolf Rd, Hillside, IL 60162.