Maria Crescenti

Maria Crescenti nee Del Zompo, age 92, of Chicago Heights, born in San Benedetto Del Tronto, Italy. Beloved wife of the late Vincent Crescenti. Loving mother of the late Gabriella (late Gary) Willard, John (Lauren) Crescenti and Louis (Mary Ann) Crescenti. Cherished grandmother of Marc (Kristen) Willard, Michael Willard, Amanda (Jason) Irwin, Stephen (Melissa) Crescenti, Anthony (Marissa) Crescenti, Matthew (Danielle) Crescenti, Scott Crescenti, Alexander (fiancé Gina) Crescenti and Scott, Alyson, Kevin and Cory Boeckh. Great-grandmother of Benjamin and Daniel Irwin, Gabriella, Zoé, Savannah and Makayla Crescenti, Thomas, Catherine, Andrew, McKenzie and Avery Willard. Dear sister of Anna (late Luigi) Liberati and the late Liliana (late Nazzareno) Collini and late Elio (Mariella) Del Zompo. Fond aunt, cousin and friend to many. Last evening, as peaceful as we have seen her in weeks, our beautiful 92 year old matriarch left this world to be reunited with her husband, daughter, brother and sister. I can guarantee that the reunion was everything she had hoped for. I am forever grateful for all the years we were able to spend with her, the lasting memories not only I have but my children have of her and the time we were all able to spend with her in her last few days. She waited patiently for each and every one of her grandchildren to come say goodbye and I know she was listening to us all share stories at her bedside. The last few days have been filled with laughter, tears and many sleepless nights but we were all there with her to celebrate her and support each other the way only family can. My father and my Uncle Lou will carry on her legacy with grace and her grandchildren and great grandchildren will cherish the memories of holidays and birthdays and weekly dinners in the basement. Watching wheel of fortune on a television far too small in a very cramped kitchen. Butterscotch disks and lladro figures. Nonna feeding us until we had a hard time breathing, we were so full. The smells, the sounds, the love and dedication to family we all were able to be a part of. She was so proud of each and every one of us and is looking down on us now making sure we eat enough and making sure we "no open the door for nobody, Nonna." She came to this country with two children, a small chest full of their belongings and a dream…. Just look at what she made possible for us all! Our family will be working on her arrangements over the next few days and I will be sure to share them with everyone who would like to come and celebrate Maria and tell us a good story!  Dio ti benedica sempre! Continueremo a renderti orgoglioso! (God bless you always we will continue to make you Proud!)

Resting at the Tews-Ryan Funeral Home 18230 Dixie Highway in Homewood on Friday November 12, from 6–8pm. Funeral Service Saturday 12:30 pm at the Funeral Home. Interment Assumption Cemetery. For additional information contact tews-ryanfh.com or call 708-798-5300.