Anna Maria Laudicina

Anna Maria Laudicina “Maria”, 83, passed away in Rockford, Illinois on July 18, 2024 surrounded by her family. She was born in Marsala, Sicily on July 26, 1940, daughter to Antonino and Giovanna (Rosolia) Bertolino. Maria married Pietro Laudicina on April 19, 1965, and came to the United States in 1968.They lived near St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church where they were members and their four sons attended school. One of Maria's proudest accomplishments was cooking for the priests of St. Anthony’s for over 15 years. Even when she could not attend church physically, she always maintained her strong faith and love of her church. Maria had a deep passion for cooking that extended beyond the kitchen; it was her love language, a way for her to connect with others, bring her family together and show them she cared. She was proud of her dishes and was well known as the master of her family events. Maria will always be remembered for her unwavering devotion to her family. As a homemaker, she poured her heart and soul into creating a warm and loving home for her children and grandchildren. 

She will be missed by those who loved her most, her sons Frank (Mary Ann), Nino (Alisa), Rito (Cristi) and Jimmy (Deborah); her grandsons Nick (Shayley Shimkus), Andrew (Alexandra), Luke, Anthony, Tommy, Pete, Sal and Dominick; her great grandson Paul; her brother Giacomo Bertolino and sister-in-law Anna LaRocca. She is predeceased by her husband of 37 years, Pietro, her parents, and four of her siblings: Francesca, Ignazio, Brigida and Pasquale. 

A visitation will take place on Friday, July 26, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, Illinois 61108. Funeral Mass will take place the following day, Saturday, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 1010 Ferguson Street, Rockford, Illinois 61102. Please consider memorials to be made to the church for masses in Anna Maria Laudicina’s name. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com