Ida Sularz

Ida Sularz, nee Pensa, age 80, passed away suddenly on March 26, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. Ida was born on April 27, 1943 in Teggiano, Italy and emigrated to the United States when she was 12 years old (her parents worked tirelessly, over several years, to relocate their family of ten children to the U.S.). Ida was the fond daughter of the late Rosa nee Gallo and Vito C. Pensa, beloved wife of Joseph for 58 years; loving mother of Jacquelyne (James) Belcastro and Paul Sularz; cherished grandmother of Mia, Georgia, and Emery; dear sister of Giuseppina, Emma, Manrico, Mary, Aurora, the late Antonio, the late Filiberto, the late Michael, and the late Gina, fond aunt of many nieces and nephews, wonderful cousin, and a loyal friend to many. Ida was passionate about doing all she could to help her children thrive, especially in their early educational years. She volunteered each day to help out during the lunch hour (she was so popular, she always had a crowd of students who walked around the playground with her at recess), she helped with holiday parties and field trips, and also served as the PTA President of Oak Elementary School in Addison, Illinois. When her children were in junior high school, Ida then began her banking career. She worked at The Itasca Bank & Trust Co. for over 20 years, starting as a part-time teller and earning several promotions over the years to ultimately lead the risk management area. She was a longtime devoted volunteer for both the Itasca Garden Club and the Itasca Senior Citizens Club, where she was serving as the treasurer. Ida’s love for animals started in Teggiano, with her beloved dog, Fido, and she extended her devotion to her faithful canine companions in her later life, including adopting the pet (a Westie named Kelly) of two dear friends/sisters who passed away. She was a huge Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs fan and enjoyed attending their games. Along with her enjoyment of gardening, Ida loved to dance. She was proud of her Italian American heritage and cooked many homemade Italian meals (her specialty was homemade lasagna and meatballs, which she made for her son’s friends and colleagues for several St. Joseph’s Day celebrations over the years). She will be dearly missed!

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 5, from 3-8 p.m. and Saturday, April 6, 8 a.m. until the time of the funeral at 9:30 a.m. at The Oaks Funeral Home, 1201 E. Irving Park Road (at Prospect) to a 10 a.m. Mass at Saint Peter the Apostle Church, 551 N. Rush St., Itasca and interment at Saint Adalbert Cemetery, 6800 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles. Memorial donations in lieu of flowers would be greatly appreciated and may be sent to: St. Peter the Apostle Church, Itasca Senior Citizens Club, or the Itasca Garden Club. For funeral information, please call 630-250-8588 or visit www.oaksfh.com