Cora Galgano
Age - 88
December 5, 2023
Cora M. Galgano (nee Panzica), age 88, a resident of Naperville, IL since 1987, formerly of Bolingbrook, IL, passed away Sunday, December 3, 2023, 2018 at her daughter's home in Mokena, IL. She was born November 23, 1935 in Chicago, IL. Beloved wife of the late Richard A. "Dick" Galgano, whom she married on June 1, 1957, and who preceded her in death on October 9, 2018, loving mother of Corinne (Andy) Nawrocki of Mokena, IL, Mary Ann (Peter) Vitone of Wheaton, IL, Liz (Brian) Chaplin of Downers Grove, IL, Peter (Gayelynn) Galgano of Homer Glen, IL and Richard (Wendy) Galgano of Naperville, adored grandmother of Andrew John (Alexis) Nawrocki, Alex (Gioia) Nawrocki and the late Sara Grace Nawrocki; Joseph Vitone; Ellena, Grace (Hayden) Randolph and Adam Chaplin; Keely (Matt) Adler and Cameron Galgano; Jacob, Gianna, Isabella, Anthony and Nicholas Galgano, devoted daughter of the late Nicholas and Adeline (nee Caputo) Panzica, dear sister of joseph Panzica, Gerard Panzica and the late Nicholas (Marie) Panzica, sister-in-law of Robert (Paulette) Galgano, the late Patricia Galgano, and the late John "Butch" (Joann) Galgano, fond cousin, aunt, great-aunt and friend of many. Cora was born and raised in Chicago and attended Providence-St Mel's grammar and high school. She lived close to her aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents and remained close to her cousins throughout her life and often told stories of them growing up together. Cora attended Loyola University in Chicago where she met her future husband, Richard, and they married on June 1, 1957. They had their first three children in the Chicago area, then moved to Decatur, IL where they lived from 1965-1969. While living in Decatur Cora had her two sons. They lived in Bolingbrook, IL through the mid 1980's then Naperville through February 2022. Since February 2022, she has been living with her daughter, Corinne and son-in-law, Andy in Mokena, IL. As a young mom in Decatur, Cora became the chairwoman for the March of Dimes. This was an organization she supported wholeheartedly. Her efforts raised not only money for the organization but greater awareness and recognition in the community. Cora was a Pink Lady at Edward Hospital, Naperville in the 1970's. In the 1990's she volunteered with Heartland Alliance working to advance human rights and championing human dignity. When she moved to Bolingbrook, her mother moved in with her and her family. Cora then went to work outside the home. First at the Bank of Lisle, then as a realtor for Baird and Warner. She also worked as a manager at Madigan's in Yorktown and at Honeywell in Oak Brook. Cora's real passion, however, was fulfilled when she started working for Estee Lauder at Marshall Fields in Oak Brook. She was always beautifully dressed, coiffed, and made up. This job was natural for her. Not only did she excel technically, but she was uplifting and helped people feel as good as they looked. She developed quite a clientele over the years. More important were the friendships she made. Cora loved her coworkers like sisters and they loved her. After she retired, Cora became involved in the Naperville Garden Club and the Red Hats. She especially loved decorating homes for the Christmas Cup of Cheer with the Garden Club. She was as good at putting greenery together as she was with make up!Cora made friends easily and was fiercely loyal. When you were Cora's friend, you were her friend for life. Her house was welcoming, and the Thanksgiving table always had guests who could not be with their own families during the holiday. More than anything, however, Cora loved her grandchildren. She would get down on the floor and play with them. Cora held, cuddled, and fed every one of the thirteen - most times with a beaming smile. She attended dance recitals, band and orchestral programs, and sporting events with equal ease. She was proud of each child and appreciated their uniqueness. Cora was always there with a compliment and a smile. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, 3:00-7:00 PM at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill St. , Naperville. Everyone will meet Thursday, December 7, 10:30 AM to celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Spirit Catholic Community, 2003 Hassert Blvd. (corner of 111th St. & Book Rd. ), Naperville, IL 60564. Future Inurnment: Assumption Cemetery, Wheaton, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations in Cora's memory may be made to: St. Patrick's Residence, 1400 Brookdale Rd. , Naperville, IL 60563, (630) 416-6565, www. stpatricksresidence. org or Naperville Responds for Our Veterans, 210 S. Washington St. , Naperville, IL 60540, (331) 684-7899, nrfov. orgFor more information, please visit www. friedrich-jones. com or call (630) 355-0213.Show more
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