Phyllis Jacobellis

Phyllis Jacobellis (nee Filomena Carone), our beautiful mother, died peacefully on January 27, 2025 in Memory Care at The Summit of Uptown. Filomena was born in Italy on January 30, 1928, and has lived in New York City, Chicago, Hoffman Estates, and Park Ridge.
She is now reunited with her beloved Vince, her husband of 57 years, her parents Vito and Cecilia (nee Valerio) Carone, her siblings Joe (Marie) and Anthony Carone and the many family members and friends preceding her.
Energetic, hard-working, and kind, people were drawn to her by her warm and engaging personality as well as her quick wit. An avid walker, she never met a stranger. In the midst of winter, she found an invincible summer. She was a woman who never spoke badly about anybody, even if they deserved it. If Phyllis met the devil himself, she'd say to him, "What a lovely red suit!"
Excelling in the sale of furs, jewelry, and women's clothing, she used her creativity and eye for fashion to accessorize simple garments into stunning ensembles. In retirement, she cared for children at Thomas Jefferson's after-school program.
Family brought her joy. She referred to her children: Victor (Jenny) Jacobellis, Kathy (Jack Scatena) Lurito, Dr. Jillian (Sam Cassidy) Jacobellis, Jim (Mary) Jacobellis, Dawn (Geoffrey) Boscoe, and Michael (Sharon) Jacobellis as her GEMS, and considered her brother Paul (Tina) Carone, as another son. She cherished her grandchildren: Michelle Dick, Dr. Alexandra Palma, Garrett, Kathryn, Josee Jacobellis, Julian and Oliver Boscoe, Samantha, Olivia Jacobellis, and Frankie Tummillo (USN). She loved her nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends very much.
Mom is loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.
We are grateful for the excellent care provided by Elara Caring Hospice; from Dora and the amazing team at the Summit of Uptown who embraced her as their "Mamma Mia" and "Grandma"; and for the Eucharistic Care Ministers from St. Paul of the Cross, her spiritual companions who walked with her on her long journey home. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your favorite charity in honor of Phyllis' memory.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2025 from 3-8PM at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 185 E. Northwest Hwy., Palatine. Family and friends are invited for a visitation on Friday, February 7, 2025 from 9:30AM until time of Mass, 10:30AM, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 2515 W. Palatine Rd., Inverness. To live stream Phyllis's funeral Mass, contact Holy Family Church at 847-359-0042. Entombment to follow at St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery. For info, 847-359-8020.