1920
2017
Grespan, Angela (nee Palmieri) 96, formerly of Rockford, IL, died on February 15, 2017 of complications of Alzheimer's dementia. She died at home peacefully surrounded by her two daughters, Paula E. D'Angelo and Rebecca Ann Grespan. She was preceded in death by her father, Matteo Palmieri and her mother, Margarita Palmieri (nee Festa); her sister, Caterina Palmieri; two brothers, Giovanni and Antonio Palmieri and her husband, Mario Grespan. Angela was born in Cava dei' Tirreni, (Salerno), Italy on November 30, 1920, a beautiful medieval town bordering the Amalfi Coast. The town was caught up in Operation Avalanche during World War II with the 1943 invasion of mainland Italy that began with aerial bombing and amphibious landings by American and British forces. It was during this time that Angela met her future husband, Mario Grespan, an Italian-born American Army Officer. Their war-time romance blossomed into a marriage lasting 53 years; they lived the majority of their married life in Mario's hometown of Rockford. In 1989 they moved to Chicago to be near their daughters and due to Mario's ill-health. He died in 1999. Angela was a beautiful, petite and spirited woman who was not afraid of hard work and loved a good party; she was dedicated to her family and their happiness. In Rockford, Angela worked at the 320 Store and at the Cacciatore Market. She assisted her mother-in-law, Emilia, with Grespan Grocery and her real estate properties. As feminine as she was, she could also strip paint and steam wallpaper off walls. She enjoyed snow shoveling, kept a wonderful garden of vegetables and flowers and walking the Rock River path. She was an active volunteer at St. Anthony of Padua during the 50's assisting the Franciscan Sisters with their many needs and provided transportation for their various appointments and errands. She was always ready and able to assist friends and neighbors and volunteered in Church and local political campaigns. She was proud of her daughters' achievements and attended all musical and theatrical performances. Angela loved traveling, especially in the mountains and near the sea. Angela was always ready with her suitcase! She saw much of the U.S. and Europe. Her smile and sweetness, especially during the years of her dementia, endeared her to all who met her. She is survived by her two daughters, Paula and Rebecca "Becky"; her nephew, Louis Grespan; niece, Antoinette Gulotta; several nieces in Italy; grand-nieces and nephews; cousins, Angelina Palmieri of Brooklyn, New York and Phyllis Alicci of Metuchin, New Jersey, plus many loving friends and neighbors. Memorial gifts may be made to Rush University Medical Center, Alzheimer's Disease Center, 1700 W. Van Buren St., Suite 250, Chicago, IL 60612 or to the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii, 1224 W. Lexington St., Chicago, IL 60607. A Memorial Visitation will be held at the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii, 1224 W. Lexington St., Chicago on Saturday, March 4, 2017 from 12:00 noon until the time of the Funeral Mass 1:00 p.m. Interment private. Arrangements entrusted to Peter M. Martino. For further info 708-562-5900.
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Angela Grespan.....rest in peace. You were a very remarkable woman.
Grace L Virgilio
February 10, 2024
What a fond memory to have known Angela Grespan.
It was always a pleasure styling her hair and chatting about all the interesting things in life.....RIP
Grace L Virgilio
February 10, 2023
Heartfelt and prayerful condolences from the Chicago Police Chaplains. Angela will be remembered at the Police Mass on Sunday, 12 MAR, 11:00 a.m. at Mercy Home - 1140 W. Jackson Blvd. In the meantime, may family and friends know the healing touch of our all-loving, all-merciful God! [www.ChicagoPCM.org or 312/738-7588]
~ ~ Fr. Dan Brandt, CPD Chaplain
March 11, 2017
So sorry to hear of your moms passing. Sending prayers during this sad and difficult time. Heaven gained another beautiful angel.
Julianne Sagona
March 2, 2017
So very sorry to hear of Angela's passing. She was such a great friend to my mother, Theresa. I'm sure they are "kicking up their heels" in heaven. She was a great lady. Love, Bill and Jean Lowman
Jean Lowman
March 1, 2017
My condolences to Mrs. Grespan's family I hope ypu are being showered by nothing but love from friends and family during this difficult time. Phillipians 4:6,7.
February 26, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with Angela Grespan family during this difficult time. I hope that the promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 can bring comfort. Knowing that there is a hope for our love ones lost in death can be reassuring.
I was happy to see how Angela had a happy and loving life after reading her obituary. You can say that Angela lived her life to the full and loved all those around her which brought great joy to many.
BB
February 22, 2017
My condolences to the Grespan family.
Your mother was a remarkable woman. I recall many conversations with her about life and how interesting she was.
She was cared for, beautifully.
Grace L Virgilio
February 19, 2017
Dear family, I offer my condolences. Having recently lost a relative in death from complications of Alzheimer's, I understand the challenges you faced and the sadness you now feel. May God comfort and strengthen you through this time. Psalms 29:11
February 19, 2017
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
From the Staff of Conboy's Westchester Funeral Home
February 16, 2017
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