Anna Julia Tonelli

Anna Julia Tonelli (née Giachetti), age 88, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2025, in Florence, Italy. She was born on May 2, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois. Anna lived a fulfilling life, rich in family devotion, musical talent, cultural exploration, and spiritual practice.

Anna was the daughter of Wanda and Salvatore Giachetti, who immigrated to the United States from the Belluno Province of the Dolomites region in Italy after World War I. The eldest of three siblings, Anna grew up in the Beverly neighborhood of Chicago. She attended the Academy of Our Lady from 1950-1954, where her love of music first flourished. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in music (piano) with a minor in Italian from Rosary College (now Dominican University) in 1958. Anna then pursued postgraduate studies at the Pius XII Institute of Art and Music in Florence, Italy, completing a Master of Music degree in 1960. During this time, she frequently performed in piano concerts.

Her passion for music and the transformative power of musical education led Anna to a career as a teacher of both grade school and high school students. She also taught private lessons at her home, where her treasured Baldwin Grand Piano-a gift from her parents-became the centerpiece of her teaching and playing throughout her life.

In 1971, Anna married Ruggero Tonelli, an Italian immigrant, and together they built a home in Elmwood Park, Illinois. Anna was a devoted wife to Ruggero and a loving mother to her son, Renato, and daughter, Julia. Their home was filled with warmth, laughter, music, and the aroma of Anna's exceptional Italian cooking. Her lasagna and chicken saltimbocca were family favorites, bringing everyone together around the dinner table.

Anna's love extended deeply to her children's spouses-Robin Tonelli (wife of Renato) and Guerino Molinaro (husband of Julia)-and to her cherished grandchildren: Giorgio and Raquel Tonelli (children of Renato and Robin) and Jasmine and Naomi Molinaro (children of Julia and Guerino). She joyfully traveled often between her present home in Charlotte, North Carolina and her overseas home in Florence, Italy to remain closely involved in her children's and grandchildren's lives.

Anna's life was full of activity, creativity, and service. She embraced exercise, often joining water aerobics and cycling classes at her local YMCA. She volunteered her time through community outreach at her church, and she nourished her artistic spirit by attending orchestra concerts, operas, art galleries, and cultural events. While living near Chicago, she loved taking the Metra train downtown with friends for performances at Symphony Center or exhibitions at the Art Institute.

Her spirituality was as expansive as her artistic interests. Though rooted in Christianity from her early Catholic upbringing with her parents, to being a parishioner with Ruggero and her kids at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church in River Forest, Illinois, and later as a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Charlotte, North Carolina-Anna also studied Buddhism, Hinduism, and other world religions. She embraced the wisdom of many traditions, finding inspiration for living a meaningful life.

Anna was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ruggero Tonelli, in 1998. Though he has been gone many years, their shared legacy continues through their children and grandchildren.

May Anna Julia Tonelli's memory bring comfort to those who knew her and inspiration to all who hear her story-a life lived with grace, curiosity, devotion, and love.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on September 13, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Christ Providence Lutheran Church, 4519 Providence Road. The service will take place in Christ Chapel, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Music Department of Christ Providence Lutheran Church. Please visit:

https://onrealm.org/christelca/-/form/give/default

Select "Music Ministry" under the fund drop down menu.