In Loving Memory of Elsa M. (Zerbi) Agnoli

Elsa Agnoli was born in Humacao, Puerto Rico, to Alfonso and Angela Zerbi. She was the youngest of three siblings, being survived by her brother Alfonso and her sister Vilma. She graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a Bachelor in Science in Biology Magna Cum Laude in 1954 and completed her certification as a medical technologist in 1956. She met her future husband, Francis S. Agnoli, while working as a supervisor in the U.S. Army’s Tropical Research Medical Laboratory in San Juan, PR. They bonded over a shared passion for liver flukes, and were married in Rio Piedras, PR on August 12, 1961. She continued in her laboratory work as her husband attended medical school on the island. During that time, they had their first child, Francis. The family then moved to Chicago for Francis Sr. to complete his medical training, as Elsa took on the joys and responsibilities of a full-time, stay-at-home mom. While in Chicago, they welcomed their second child, Robert. Eventually, they settled in Western Springs and then Hinsdale, making their home in these western suburbs from 1970 to 2018. During that time, Angela was added to the family. In 2018, they sold the family home and made the move to Villa St. Benedict. It was a wonderful surprise to form a small community here with whom she could speak Spanish.

In addition to her three children, she had the joy of welcoming their spouses—Marianne, Michelle, and Joseph—into her extended family and into her heart. Her blessings were further multiplied as she welcomed seven grandchildren with delight: Francis, Erin, Mary, Josh, Joey, Hannah, and Margaret. Mary’s husband, Danny, and Erin’s fiancé, Patrick, were happily included in her embrace.

Elsa loved spending time with her grandchildren, tilling her garden, time spent with a good book, and travelling with her husband. She shared her gift of hospitality freely. The kitchen was her cathedral, the stove her altar.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners’ Children’s Hospital or the Benedictine Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery.