Angelina Akulow

Angelina Akulow, age 98, a longtime resident of Naperville, IL, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2025, at Tabor Hills Healthcare Center in Naperville. She was born on March 16, 1927, in Royalton, IL, to Domenico and Mary (Colo) Ferrari.
Angelina is survived by her loving children: son Mike Akulow, Jr. (Jean) of Topeka, KS, and daughter Merri Melin (Keith) of Batavia, IL. She was a devoted grandmother to Jayson Melin (Amy) of Deer Park, IL; Scott Melin (Jill) of Grand Rapids, MI; and Craig Melin of North Aurora, IL. She was blessed with great-grandchildren: Jaycob, Adeline, and Evelyn Melin; Zachary and Audrey Melin; and Caden and Cole Melin.
Angelina is also survived by several dear cousins including Nancy Compton, Louis (Mae) Kalert, Ben Kalert, Cheryl (Ron) Ross, Gerrie Biscontini, Marlene (Wendell) Wood, and Michael (MaryAlice) Colo; as well as nieces and nephews: Gayle (Dennis) Brandon, Patricia (Andrew) Janszky, Carol Ferrari, and Keith (Kim) Ferrari. She is also remembered fondly by many grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
A lifelong educator, Angelina was valedictorian of Royalton High School's Class of 1944. During World War II, she worked for the U.S. Treasury Department at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago. She earned her B.S. in Education (Physical Education and Business) from Southern Illinois University in 1947 and became the first girls' physical education teacher at Royalton High School. She later earned her M.S. in Education from Northern Illinois University in 1975. Her teaching career spanned 30 years across five school districts, concluding with 12 years at Naperville North High School, where she taught typing, shorthand, and business education until her retirement in 1982.
Angelina married Mike Akulow of Royalton on September 3, 1949. Together they owned and operated a neighborhood grocery store for 10 years before moving with their family to Geneseo in 1965, and later to Naperville in 1969.
A devoted member of St. Raphael Catholic Church, Angelina was active in parish life - attending daily Mass, serving as sacristan, helping with funeral dinners, and enjoying fellowship with her beloved group of friends known as "The Church Ladies."
Angelina had many passions. She loved reading, crossword puzzles, current events, Mah Jong, Canasta, flower gardening, and genealogy. A proud Italian-American, she especially cherished her trips to Italy to visit relatives on her father's side. Family gatherings were often made special by her handmade tortellini and ravioli, a cherished tradition passed down through generations. She and her husband enjoyed many winters in Fort Myers, Florida - a tradition she continued after his passing.
Angelina was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mike Akulow Sr.; her parents, Domenico and Mary Ferrari; her brother, Robert Ferrari; and several aunts and uncles.
She leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and dedication to her family, faith, and students. She will be deeply missed.
For those who would prefer to leave a lasting tribute to Angelina's life, memorial donations may be directed to either Glaucoma Research Foundation, American Macular Degeneration Foundation or St Raphael Catholic Church.
Visitation will be Friday, October 24, 5:00-7:00 PM at Vantrease-Pyle Funeral Home, 101 Wilcox Ave, Zeigler, IL 62999. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, October 25, 11:00 AM at St. Aloysius-Sacred Heart Church, 212 S. Pecan St., Royalton, IL 62983. Interment will follow at St. Aloysius-Sacred Heart Cemetery in Royalton, IL.
Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Naperville, IL, was entrusted with local arrangements.