Obituary of Michelina Paolucci
Michelina "Michelle" Paolucci
Michelina Paolucci of Joliet, IL, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Tuesday, October 10, 2017.
Born and raised in St. Elia, Italy, a daughter of the late Maria (nee Ciricillo) and Leonardo Vecere, she immigrated to the United States shortly after her marriage to Alfred Paolucci, Sr., her beloved husband of 57 years.
In addition to her husband, she is also survived by her daughters and son, Regina (Tony) Del Sasso, Mary (Thomas) Manno, Gabriella (Eric) Gavin, Ada (Andrew) Wahl and Alfred, Jr. (Tammy) Paolucci; nine grandchildren, Christina (Antonio Joaquin), Julia and Victoria Manno; Elise and Elliott Kozal; Alanna and Adam Wahl; Megan and Mallory Paolucci; one sister, Maria Sacco and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Salvatore Vecere.
Michelle, a kind hearted and generous woman, supported many charitable causes. She always looked forward to each day at Paolucci Diamond Center. Her creativity and experience in jewelry design and her knowledge of her clients’ needs were unsurpassed by her ability to envision her customers' dreams and bring family heirlooms to life.
She also treasured spending the winter months with Alfred in Marco Island, FL among their "snow-bird" friends. Michelle, a championship bocce ball player also enjoyed golf, visiting with friends at the Italian American Society of Marco Island, collecting shells for crafts or just simply taking in the beauty of the gulf coast. Other favorite pastimes were summertime pontoon cruising on the Kankakee River with family. Her family meant everything to her. Whether Michelle was hosting a holiday get together, engaging in a competitive board game or card game with her beloved grandchildren, she radiated warmth and love. Her smile was contagious.
Funeral services for Michelle Paolucci will be held Saturday, October 14, 2017 at 9:15 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Roads, Joliet, to the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Entombment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum. Visitation will be held Friday from 4-8 p.m. Memorials in her name to a charity of the donor's choice would be appreciated. For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
