Mary Montanari

Mary “Ella” Montanari of Bartlett passed away at her home on Monday, December 4, 2023. She was born in Chicago to Malvina (Kopin) and Michael Mayer on June 5, 1928. Ella was married to her beloved husband Bruno on July 14, 1951, and they enjoyed 50 years together raising their family in Bellwood, and then Addison, before moving to their new home in Bartlett.

Ella had so many talents, among them sewing, crafting, cooking, and gardening. When we visited her home we knew we’d have an amazing meal, receive some handcrafted sweatshirts, and perhaps be asked to relocate “just a few bushes” in her yard. She was always up for a trip to the garden center to help her family choose some landscaping for their new residence and then helped design the placement.

Grandma Ella took great delight in her five grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. It was a special blessing for her to welcome new babies into the family with her warm and loving baby cuddles. She also loved to give hugs and dollar bills to the little ones for their piggy banks.

Ella was a friend to so many and always saw the best in everyone. She was the most patient listener and loved to hear people’s stories. Ella was blessed to be able to share special occasions and holidays with her family for her whole life. She still lived in her own home at 95 years old.

Ella is survived by her son Jim (Kathy) of Batavia and her daughter Rose (John) Pribich of Glen Ellyn; grandchildren Dan (Anna) Montanari of Sugar Grove, Joe (Sarah) Montanari of Batavia, Jeff (Carly) Montanari of Hampshire, Carly (Jon) Palmer of St. Charles, and Dana (Mark) Copertino of South Elgin; great grandchildren Owen, Logan, Aubrey, Ellie, Lucas, Mitchell, and Levi Montanari; and Dominick and Nora Copertino. Ella is also survived by her sisters Lillian Porcaro, Lorraine Sprague, Ruth Tovella, and Dorothy (Ed) Barnash and over 25 niecces and nephews.  Ella was preceded in death by her loving husband Bruno in 2001, her sister Margaret Tartaglia, and her brother Robert Mayer.

Visitation will be at 10:00 am to 11:30 am on Saturday, December 16, at Countryside Funeral Home, 950 South Bartlett Road, Bartlett. The funeral service will begin at 11:30 am. Burial will be private. Memorials may be made to DeLaSalle Blackfeet School, P.O. Box 1489, Browning MT 59417-1489.

Ella was the center of our family and she brought such joy to our lives. We will miss her with all our hearts.