Maria Rossdeutcher

Maria (Yori) Rossdeutcher, proud mother of five children and “Nana” to 16 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, passed away Sept. 12, 2022, with family by her bedside.

Born in the small Italian village of Farnata, Maria’s life took her to London after World War II and the U.S. in 1954 following the marriage to her husband of 59 years, Larry.

She left behind her parents and three brothers to start her new life with Larry in America that included time in Boston, Chicago and Streamwood, Ill. Most of their years together were spent in Sycamore, Ill, where children Christina, Theresa, Karen, Donna and David all graduated high school.

The backyard at their Sycamore home represented a haven for Maria. Her garden is remembered by many for its bounty of raspberries. The yard also provides the final resting place for several pet dogs and cats (and a stray or two she befriended), animals she loved and cared for - some well beyond the promises of others to assume that responsibility.

Maria’s jobs over the years included being a nurse’s aide at Sherman Hospital (Elgin, Ill) and Sycamore Hospital, a school cook with the Sycamore school district and, later, for Northern Illinois University sororities and fraternities.

Nowhere was Maria’s Italian heritage better illustrated than preparing a pasta feast with homemade sauce in the family kitchen. She could also turn a hodgepodge of ingredients into an incredible soup. A variety of greens (maybe even dandelion) and contributions from her garden would become a salad that could entice a carnivore.

But above all in Maria’s life stood her family.

Maria’s husband Larry brought her laughter like no other until the day he passed in August 2012. Her four daughters reciprocated the love from their mom – especially in her final months – to levels that only angels could reach. Her son wore the label “one and only” proudly regardless of the number of times his mom introduced him as such, even well into his fifth decade.

As the grandchildren and great-grandchildren totals grew, Maria recalled a story she heard years before from a coworker who was then welcoming many grandchildren of her own.

“How do you share your love with so many of them?” Maria asked. “The heart always find room,” was the reply.

Maria’s heart found plenty of room for all her grandkids, nurturing a special relationship with each beginning from their earliest days and her “You Are My Sunshine” serenades.

Seldom a day would pass without a conversation with one or more of her kids. Maria thrived on that engagement. Up until her final days, the answer to the question of what brought her the most happiness came without hesitation – seeing her kids.

Maria’s children, surviving extended family and friends now mourn her passing but can raise a smile recalling a memory made personal courtesy of an individual who effortlessly made interactions feel that way.

Maria is survived by daughters Christina (Mike) Greenaway of Crystal Lake, Ill., Theresa (Jim McConkey) Faivre of DeKalb, Ill, Karen (Charlie) Sharp of Sycamore, Ill, Donna (Stan) Allen of Batavia, Ill; and son David (Katie) Rossdeutcher of O’Fallon, Mo; 16 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren; brothers Lew (Orieta) Yori, Larry (Jayne) Yori of England; sisters-in-law Rosetta Yori of England, Jean Rossdeutcher and Peg (Jim) Sobeski of Arlington Hts., Ill.

Among those preceding Maria in death were her husband Larry; parents Teresa and Batista Yori; great-grandson Jayden Baedke; brother Frank Yori, sister-in-law Maureen Yori, brother-in-law Bob Rossdeutcher and sister-in-law Ginger Rossdeutcher.

The family is planning a private memorial service and celebration of Maria's life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in Maria’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the National Humane Society or your local animal shelter.