Madeline "Lena" Spataro

Madeline “Lena” Spataro was born to Gaspare and Josephine Russo Cirino in Chicago, Illinois on February 5th, 1931.

Raised by her parents along with her sister and brother, she grew up in Chicago attending both school and church across the street from their house. She moved to Rockford, Illinois in 1954 where she lived with her husband, Sam Spataro, and sons, Angelo, Frank, and Jerry. She worked for Hootman Dental Lab for 18 years until retiring in February of 1993. She was a longtime member of St. Anthony’s Church in Rockford.

Madeline loved spending time with her sister and family, shopping in Chicago, taking road trips with her friends, and playing BINGO. She adored being both a grandmother and great grandmother who loved to cook and share meals with her family. She was a loyal Cubs fan who joined in cheering when they won the World Series.

In her earlier days, she enjoyed her garden and fresh vegetables – baking zucchini bread and working in her yard.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gaspare and Josephine Cirino; her brother, Joseph Cirino; her sister, Carmela Franzone; and her husband, Sam Spataro.

She is survived by her sons, Frank (Darlene) Spataro, Jerry (Linda) Spataro, and Angelo (Lynelle) Spataro; her grandchildren, Gina (Mike), Jared (Stephanie), Jill, Jocelyn, and Matthew and Michael; her great grandchildren, Riley, Luke, Ian, Lillie, and Cooper.

Our family is most grateful for the wonderful care she received from her caregivers at Blue Water Home Care – Jessica, Odry, Hermelinda, and Cindy; along with her loving grandchildren. We were able to send her on her journey to Heaven with love and many hugs and kisses.

Memorial services will be held at a later date in Rockford, Illinois with burial in Chicago, Illinois.