Serafina Cicero

Serafina “Sally” Cicero, 86, passed away peacefully on Easter morning, March 31, 2024, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center after a brief illness. 

She was born August 9, 1937, in Rockford, to Anthony and Josephine LaMendola.  After high school, she attended nursing school in Chicago, and married Salvatore “Sam” Cicero on October 4, 1958. Sally went on to have a long career as a surgical nurse, and later as volunteer coordinator at St. Anthony’s Hospital, where she assisted in many complex procedures and was loved by doctors, patients, and volunteers alike. Outside of work, Sally was a talented artist and crafter. Her home was adorned with her paintings and cross stitch pieces, as well as a carefully curated collection of decorations corresponding to every season or holiday.  When not following her artistic pursuits, Sally enjoyed playing solitaire, solving puzzles and trivia, and taking in the views of nature from her porch.  Sally was very proud of her family and her Sicilian heritage, immersing her home in her culture, and even keeping a pen pal from Italy for many years.  Whether through her career as a nurse, her high level of skill at cross stitch and other crafts, or especially in her roles as wife, mother, and grandmother, she will be remembered forever as an immensely caring and loving person. 

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Sam Cicero, and her grandchildren, Nathan Cicero and Parker Cicero, among other family and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Peter Cicero. 

Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, April 5, at 10 am at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Rockford, with visitation starting one hour before at 9 am. Private interment will follow.