Clarice B. Colangelo nee Duda, of Elmhurst passed away recently at the age of 104. Beloved wife of the late Leonard; loving mother of Lenice (James Lucchesi) Colangelo and Laurence; grandmother of Heather (Douglas) and David (Jaime) and Michael; great grandmother of Ryan and Sara; sister of 8; aunt of many nieces and nephews.
Clarice’s life spanned from horse-drawn carriages and fire engines to the Cubs winning the 2016 World Series! Clarice’s key to her longevity was: “Nobody taught me to say no!”; “Keep mind going” and “Dress for success!” She was a self-motivated woman who began her working career at 16. She took on any job that came her way regardless of her skills. Clarice taught herself how to type and take shorthand as well as other trades. One of her first jobs was writing on postcards for a sale. Her handwriting was impeccable, 1 cent per card.
As the oldest child when her brother Harry died, she quit high school and went to work to help during the Depression early on. Clarice stuffed envelopes, worked for a jewelry firm and held clerical positions. Throughout her life, she never stopped trying and moving up to the next level. By age 80, she retired from running a major manufacturing company with only a grade school education.
Her tenacity was only second to her love for life and diversity of interests from travel to art to dancing and sharing stories with her children and grandchildren. Nothing brought a smile to her face more than when her family came to visit.
“I can picture my mom now, her beautiful brilliant blue eyes gazing at the sky exclaiming how beautiful the clouds are in the sky that matched her eyes,” said the family.
Services and interment Private. In lieu of flowers, Memorials will be appreciated to help David rebuild his home. Please go to paypal.me/rebuildtherodewalts. Arrangements by Ahlgrim Funeral Home. Info 630-834-3515 or ahlgrim.com.
