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Wilma A. Calderone
Wilma A. Calderone
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Wilma Calderone Obituary
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Born in Chicago, Illinois on September 23, 1953 to the late August and Sharon Calderone; Fond
sister of Anne (Ron) Fenske, Anthony (Lois) Calderone, Harry Calderone, Sharon (Rick)
Busenbark, Dorothy (Matt) Bentel, David (Barb) Calderone; Loving mother of Eric Andersen and
Michelle Andersen; Cherished grandmother to Hayley, Chase, Carter, and Dario; Beloved aunt
to many nieces and nephews.
Wilma was raised in Forest Park and a graduate of Proviso East High School. She succeeded in
business as a boutique owner, Mary Kay beauty consultant, and antique retailer. She found joy
in trying new recipes, reading books, tending to her many gardens and organizing her vintage
collectibles. After many years of hard work, she embraced her retirement by cherishing the
simple joys of life - spending time in the comfort of her home, caring for her beloved grandson
and sharing her passion for cooking with family and friends.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024 from 11:00 - 3:00 followed by a
memorial service at Zimmerman-Harnett Funeral Home, 7319 Madison St., Forest Park, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Illinois Valley PADS online ivpads.com or
mail your donations to: Illinois Valley PADS, P.O. Box 1012 LaSalle, Il. 61301.
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Gerald Ziebell
October 7, 2024
My most sincere condolences to the Calderone and Anderson families for their loss. Wilma was a woman of extraordinary beauty, inside and out. I have many fond memories of Wilma going back more than fifty years. Godspeed to you, my friend.
Laura Figi
October 7, 2024
So sorry to hear about Wilmas passing..I grew up with Wilma on Elgin Ave in forest park..we shared many adventures..although we hadn't been in touch for many years I remember her fondly
Kevin Podman
September 28, 2024
I will always remember Wilma´s great personality. A woman true to herself and if you didn´t care for that she was fine with it.
I met her when I purchased my home and there was a boundary dispute over a couple feet.
I introduced myself to her and asked her if she could sign a document saying we weren´t concerned over the matter.
From then on we just kept talking to one another and became close over the years.
She would often let my dog out for me if I were running late after work and I would help her with projects in her home and the occasional car repair.
I already miss our many conversations we would have and will miss her calls to come grab some food as she´d been cooking all day and tried a different recipe.
It is a great honor for me to have known her and to have had her be such a great friend.
Linda Cafarelli Knight
September 27, 2024
I have known Wilma since kindergarten and have many fond memories of birthday parties and sleepovers at both her and my houses. I was not a popular girl but Wilma didn´t mind. I always appreciated that she was friends with me. In recent years we reconnected but unfortunately communication was sparse on both our sides. When I think of my childhood, Wilma is always remembered fondly. My sincere condolences to her entire family.
Linda Cafarelli Knight
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Donald Anthony
September 27, 2024
I met Wilma sophomore year we became very good friends she knew and met my parents and siblings and we maintained our friendship until her passing I will miss our long conversations on the phone rest in peace my dear friend.
Anette Neumann Olson
September 26, 2024
I went to school with Wilma's younger sister Sharon and I remember her taking all of us young girls maybe 9 or 10 years old we were at the time to see The Wizard of Oz on North Avenue I think it was a birthday party for Sharon. I also remember her clothing boutique on Madison Street in Forest Park and always thought she was so cool! Which she was. Sorry for your loss to the entire Calderon family.
Geri Yaccino
September 26, 2024
Wilma was one of my Proviso East friends. She was a lot of fun and hosted memorable sleepovers at her house, thanks to her understanding mom. Nancy Ringel remembers that Wilma missed the homecoming dance because she was injured doing a back flip after the parade. To my everlasting chagrin, I was the person she flipped into, unaware that I was in her way. And she never held it against me.
Nancy Ringel
September 26, 2024
Even though I haven't seen Wilma in years, I have many fun and loving memories of her. She and I camped out in my backyard of the 800 block of Hannah Ave. We went for a walk around the block at 11P.M. How cool were we?! I remember sleep overs at her house with lots of siblings playing all over the place. I remember her practicing the balance beam in her yard. I remember her Mother including me in the station wagon to go look at Christmas lights, maybe in Melrose Park. I remember running away from home...just for a day and going to her house. Your Mom would talk to my Mom and work it out. I remember when she was a life guard at the Forest Park pool for I don't know how long, but I always enjoyed getting to see her up there. I remember the Homecoming Parade when she landed on her head and then couldn't go to the dance. I remember visiting her while Doug was there visiting her. She was on the fold out couch. I remember many, many conversations. I remember she and I walking down Harlem Ave and witnessing an extremely inappropriate man in his car knocking on his window to get our attention. Yuck!
I'll never forget how much she was a part of my growing up. I'll never forget our friendship all those years ago.
With many happy memories, Nancy Ringel
Jamie Vece Alonzo
September 25, 2024
I met Wilma back in 1966 when I moved to Forest Park in 8th grade. She was a very nice girl and kept the bullies away from me. I send my condolences to the family. I'm so sorry for your loss.
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7319 Madison Street, Forest Park, IL 60130
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