title
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
IN MEMORY OF Mary Angela Ranieri
WHEREAS, Almighty God, in His infinite wisdom, called Mary Angela Ranieri from our midst on March 22, 2014, just two months shy of her 105th birthday; and
WHEREAS, Mary Angela, nee Forte, was born in La Cartiera, Italy and, at the age of three, sailed to New York with her mother. They then traveled to Chicago to join her father and reunite the family; and
WHEREAS, Mary was the oldest of five children. She attended school only until the sixth grade because she was needed at home to help with caring for her younger siblings. Although she lacked a formal education, she was a wise and sensible woman; and
WHEREAS, on June 1, 1930 she married Romeo Ranieri and they raised four daughters; Arlene, Annette, Ann and Camille; and
WHEREAS, even though Romeo and Mary were kept very busy raising and providing for their family, they made time to volunteer as Civic Defense Leaders and helped promote victory gardens during World War II. In 1943, Mary proudly became a naturalized citizen of the United States; and
WHEREAS, in 1949, the Ranieris achieved their American dream by purchasing their first home in Elmwood Park, Illinois. Mary worked at Elmwood Park High School for fifteen years and was well liked and respected by both staff and students; and
WHEREAS, Mary lost her dear husband, Romeo, in 1995. In 1999, she was one of the first residents of the Elmbrook Senior Housing facility, then moved to Victory Home in Melrose Park and eventually to the Norridge Gardens in Norridge, where she resided until her death; and
WHEREAS, throughout her amazingly long and rich life, she was loved and cherished by her husband, four daughters, twelve grandchildren, twenty-four great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and Board of Commissioners of Cook County do hereby offer their sincere condolences to the family of Mary Angela Ranieri and join them in celebrating her remarkable life; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared for presentation to the family of Mary Angela Ranieri, that her memory may be so honored.
end