Mary Cilano Obituary
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It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Mary Catherine (Mary Kay) Cilano, 91. Surrounded by the loving support and prayer from her family, Mary Kay passed away peacefully on August 29, 2025. Born in Clinton Iowa on May 9, 1934, Mary Kay was the daughter of William and Dorothy (Clark) Kennedy. Upon high school graduation, Mary Kay promptly enrolled at St. Elizabeth's Nursing School located in Chicago, IL, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing.
Coming from a small town in Iowa, Mary Kay loved the big city lifestyle of Chicago including the lake, museums and libraries. Mary Kay met the love of her love, Angelo Cilano while working at St. Elizabeth Hospital while caring for his father, Salvatore Cilano. Mary Kay and Angelo Cilano were married in 1960 at St. Ferdinand Church in Chicago. Mary Kay loved her family unequivocally, never questioning the decision to work late hours as a nurse while sending her children to Catholic grammar and high school.
Known for her devout Catholic faith, Mary Kay was committed to the Blessed Mother praying the rosary daily. Later in life, Mary Kay moved to Lakewood, IL where she participated and volunteered for the Perpetual Adoration at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Huntley, IL. Mary Kay was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, leaving a lasting impact on those who met her.
Predeceased by her husband Angelo, Mary Kay is survived by her children: Ellen (Gary) Solberg, Mike (Lilli) Cilano, and Greg (Karen) Cilano; grandchildren Andrew Solberg (Traci Dziedzic, fiance), Danielle (Dave) Shannon, Alec Solberg, Ben Cilano, Ryan Cilano, Matthew Cilano, great-granddaughter, Olivia Shannon; and her sister-in-law, Suzanne Kennedy.
If you met Mary Kay, you quickly encountered her passion for good conversation, she enjoyed reading books, playing her beloved piano, listening to jazz music, gardening and making new friends. Her biggest love was her family, Mary Kay made insurmountable sacrifices in life for her family, and this can never be forgotten, we will forever honor Mary Catherine Cilano in our memory.
Visitation: September 2, 2025, from 9-10 AM at St. Mary Church, 10307 Dundee Road, Huntley, IL, followed by a Mass at 10 AM. Burial will take place at St. Mary Cemetery.
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10763 Dundee Road, Huntley, IL 60142
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