Lucia Di Cosola

Lucia Di Cosola, of Elburn, formerly of Melrose Park, Illinois, was lifted up by the love and prayers of her family as she claimed the promise of her Savior, Thursday, June 4, 2020.

She was born July 27, 1945 in Ceglie del Campo, in the province of Bari in Italy.

Lucia grew up in Bari, Italy, and attended school, but much of her early years were spent taking care of her family and the neighborhood children and pets. Living with her parents and four brothers, as the only daughter, fostered a deep love for family and tradition. She was able to carry with her what she learned and loved, as she nurtured her own family. Her humble, rustic beginning was God’s way to help give her the foundation that she needed as she became a devout, loving and strong woman.

In time, she found someone she would love more, Vito Di Cosola, a nearby neighbor in Bari, Italy. They were united in marriage September 28, 1966. A year later on January 27, 1967 Lucia made the arduous journey to the United States, and what a journey it was. She left a country she loved and the only family she knew to join her husband in America. She arrived in Canada during a blizzard with snow up to her waist. Not knowing English, she was fortunate to have someone on the flight that spoke Italian and helped her navigate those first freezing hours. Eventually she would make it to Vito’s side, but suffice it to say, Lucia may have had a few choice words for Vito as it was the first time she experienced snow and in such measure. Fortunately, love won out and their family flourished to five children. They made their new home in an apartment in Melrose Park before moving to a home of their own, also in Melrose Park where they shared many happy memories together. Grief came to call when Vito passed away in 1987, but the family stuck together through fierce love and dedication. They continued to live in Melrose Park until 2005 when she retired and subsequently moved to Elburn.

Lucia found work at Alberto Culver Manufacturing for a brief time, but her next job would be “sweeter”. Lucia spent 35 years on the factory floor of Continental Baking Company, working on the Twinkie line, where they made all the Hostess treats that are enjoyed the world over. She truly believed in their motto, “Quality Cake from Quality People”. Being employed with Hostess was a source of great joy for her as she was able to provide for her five children.

She was a faithful and devout member of Sacred Heart Parish in Melrose Park. This is where she sent all her children to Catholic school and where they received their Sacraments. Later, she became a parishioner at St. Gall Catholic Church in Elburn. Her greatest highlight was meeting Bishop David when he blessed the new parish.

Lucia had a love that ran deep and strong, a faith that could not be shaken, a work ethic forged in steel and possessed that kind of bravery that would never waiver. After Vito’s passing, she raised five children on her own, dedicating everything she had to their upbringing. When she did have time to herself, Lucia loved to garden and looked forward to the bounty of each harvest. When she moved to Elburn, she decorated her yard in flowers of every hue, a lilac tree, and religious statuary dedicated to St. Anthony, St. Francis, Mother Mary and Guardian Angels. Each was showcased in vibrant colors and with a fervor that almost eclipsed talents in the kitchen. She made the kitchen her castle, mastering family recipes with pinch of this and touch of that. Homemade pasta and tomato sauce were staples and a favorite of the family as well as anyone who sat down at her table. Lucia’s baking was second to none and made untold numbers of Italian cookies each holiday season. Many may have been eaten at home, but the majority was shared with all their family and friends. Traditions were sacrosanct and were followed with attention to the smallest detail. Every holiday was treated with respect and honor, and celebrated according to her custom. Her home was always a place where her grandchildren were ecstatic to visit. Nana Lucia was happiest with these children in her home. The grandchildren couldn’t wait to get to Nana’s house for laughter and fantastic times with a woman they admired and loved so much. Lucia’s hands were rarely idle but she loved to take time in her backyard sipping coffee and watching people and animals grace her landscape. Lucia loved all animals, but had a special place in her heart for big dogs with hearty appetites. She showered all of her pets with the kind of love usually reserved for her children. (Sometimes however the dogs ate better than her kids, much to their chagrin and frustration.) Lucia leaves a legacy of sights, smells, and unforgettable memories but leaves the world (and especially her kitchen) a poorer place in her absence.

She is survived by five children: Anthony (Angela) Di Cosola, Michael (Brenda) Di Cosola, Gina (Carlos) Di Cosola, Lucia Rosa Di Cosola, and Gaetano (Angelina) Di Cosola; 8 grandchildren: Michael (Alexandra) Di Cosola Jr., Nicholas (Morgan) Di Cosola, Juliana I. Di Cosola, Gabriela Di Cosola, Olivia Di Cosola-Hernandez, Juan “Gordo” DeJesus, Charlie (Jessica) DeJesus, Jr., Denise “Nini” (Jose) DeJesus; 12 great-grandchildren: Evryleigh, Talyana, Imani, Sylis, Samiya, Fantashia, Namiah, Juliana, Eliayse, Jose Jr., Adonis, and Jaslyn. Two brothers: Vito (Gina) Ferrara and Valerio (Anna) Ferrara; Sisters-in-law: Rosaria Lubes and Dina Caringella; many nieces, nephews and a family of friends. In addition, Lucia also leaves her “grand-pups”: Charlie, Buster, Leroy, Bosco, and Bella; “grand-cats”: Diamond and Princess and her “grand-rabbits”: Mia and Sophie.

She is preceded by her parents, Cambio Michele & Lucia, her husband Vito, two brothers: Michele and Vincenzo Ferrara, a sister in infancy and two grandchildren, Gianna and Gionni. In addition, she was preceded by her pups: Buddy, Rocky, Maxine, Sparky, Jake, Mattie, Rocco, Cookie, Jaxx, Bianca and Fiona; her cats: Mootsie, Mia, Cinnamon, Coco, Casper and Gypsy; a hamster, Carmella and one guinea pig, Mr. Giblet.

Private family services have already been held, with interment at All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines, IL.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to: Parkinson’s Foundation at www.apdaparkinson.org, Salvation Army, at www.give.salvationarmyusa.org, and Heaven’s Children Ministries at St. Gall Catholic Church, 43W885 Hughes Road, Elburn, Illinois Tributes and memories may be forwarded to the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.

All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines, IL