Marie A. Collatz

Marie A. Collatz, 90, of Lake in the Hills (formerly of Huntley), passed away peacefully on August 27, 2025, just nine days shy of her 91st birthday.
She was born on September 5, 1934 in Chicago, Illinois to William and Lottie (Fanelli) Serritella. Marie was born deaf, but miraculously gained some hearing at the age of 9. This led her to become an involved member of the deaf community later in life. Growing up, she often spent her summers on her Uncle Tony and Aunt Rosie's farm. Her time there sparked a lifelong love of farms and cows. She worked as the Chairside Assistant to her father at his dental office for much of her career, and was admired for her tireless work ethic.
Marie's sweet tooth was rivaled only by her sweet personality. Her Canasta group spanned decades, and she cherished all of the friends she made over the years. She had a passion for traveling, and her journeys led her everywhere from the Rocky Mountains to Italy (twice). She had an adventurous heart and would never turn down a ride on the back of a motorcycle.
But her greatest joy in life was being a mother and grandmother. She made sure every holiday was a special celebration, and sparked countless traditions among her family members. Her famous chocolate ravioli cookies (a recipe passed down from her own mother) will be long remembered by her loved ones. She was dearly loved and will be deeply missed.
Marie is survived by her children, Anthony Pennisi, Lottie Timberlake, and William (Sarah) Collatz; and her grandchildren, AJ, Gina, Dominic, Genevieve, Joseph, Nicholas, and Avery.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Lucille Moran, Anthony Serritella, and Rochelle Galuzzi.
Visitation will be held on September 6, 2025 from 9am until time of Mass at 10am, at St. Mary Catholic Church - 10307 Dundee-Huntley Rd, Huntley, IL 60142.
Memorial donations are suggested to:
The Cow Sanctuary - P.O. Box 227, Shiloh, NJ 08353, U.S.A.
https://thecowsanctuary.org/contact/
For further information, please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772, or online condolences may be shared at www.defiorefuneral.com.