Anita Karen Pellegrini

1954 - 2023

Anita Karen Pellegrini
Born: January 9, 1954 in Evergreen Park, IL
Died: February 19, 2023 in Sandwich, IL
Anita Karen Pellegrini (nee Howard), age 69, of Sandwich, IL, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 19, at home, surrounded by her children, after a nearly five year battle with glioblastoma. She was born January 9, 1954, in Evergreen Park, IL, the daughter of Jack and Marion Howard. Anita and her ex-husband, Rick Pellegrini, had three children: Brittany Dawn Cukierski (36), Tyler Vincent Pellegrini (34) and Dustin Howard Pellegrini (31). Throughout her life she also had many pets, including dogs, cats, birds and fish. Anita was a magnificent mother who seized every opportunity to celebrate her children's achievements, attend every local garage sale and send you a card for every birthday, anniversary and holiday. Anita grew up in Country Club Hills, IL, and earned a Bachelor's Degree from Illinois State University in Physical Education, with a minor in Dance. She spent 25 years working as a Physical Education and substitute teacher in schools in Arizona and all across Northern Illinois, where she also served as a track, basketball, cheerleading, softball and volleyball coach, taking the Marseilles 8th grade volleyball team to the State Tournament her very first season. Outside of school, Anita also loved and taught gymnastics, tumbling and dance classes in her community. Taking after her father's career as a ballroom dance instructor, Anita was a lifelong performer and choreographer in local productions. She spent many summers serving as the choreographer for Indian Valley Theater productions at the Sandwich Opera House, creating original dance routines and instructing children of all ages. She was also a regular and enthusiastic performer in melodramas at the Sandwich Fair. A devoted "sports mom," Anita never missed a soccer, baseball or basketball game, or track, cross country or wrestling meet, for her three children, and even attended t-ball and soccer games for her grandson. Anita also devoted time to the Sandwich Education Foundation and Sports Boosters, and continued to attend many Sandwich sporting events long after her children had graduated. Anita had many passions in her life, including dance, music, Cubs games, attending Indy 500 races, and watching the Price is Right, Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. Anita's family would like to thank the Northwestern and Rush University Neuro-Oncology team, particularly Dr. Grimm, Elizabeth and Sherry. They would also like to thank the Northwestern Neurosurgery team, particularly Dr. Chenelle and Allison, and the Divine Hospice team. Anita will be remembered by all as a high-energy, positive and tireless friend, neighbor, co-worker, mother and grandmother who constantly lived her life to the fullest, even long past her diagnosis. Anita was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Marion Howard, and her granddaughter, Kolby Elizabeth Pellegrini. Anita is survived by her children, Brittany (Tony), Tyler (Jaimie) and Dustin (Kelly); her grandchildren, Michael, Hadley and Gianna; her ex-husband, Rick; her sister, Toni; and her loving dogs, Panda and Nino. Anita will be missed by many nieces and nephews, co-workers, students, neighbors, former classmates, theater friends and the entire Sandwich community. Services will be held Friday, February 24, 2023 at Turner-Eighner Funeral Home in Somonauk, IL, with a visitation from 10 am â€" 1 pm, followed by a funeral service at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, Anita's family asks that donations be made to any of the following foundations which were near to her heart: •American Brain Tumor Association •Michael Matters Foundation, which offsets treatment costs for brain tumor patients •Harley Helping Hands, which offsets treatment costs for brain tumor patients •Ronald McDonald House Charities For more information or to sign the online guestbook go to www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com Turner-Eighner Funeral Home 13160 W. Rt. 34 ~ P.O. Box 404 Somonauk, IL 60552 (815) 498-2363