A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Maria spent the best moments of her life surrounded by those she loved most. With a mental cookbook that she perfected over decades, she showed her love by always preparing large family meals and was always eager to host every holiday and family gathering. Her home was always warm and inviting. The memories that were made and shared are ones that every family would be fortunate enough to have.
She prided herself on keeping an immaculate home and cared for her loved ones, especially her adored husband, Pasquale. Having grown up near each other in their home country of Italy, they did not meet until they emigrated to the United States and were introduced at a wedding. Pasquale and Maria were inseparable and were deeply dedicated to each other from the very beginning. Maria also found beauty in life in her garden where she lovingly grew roses and various vegetables. As an act of love, she canned fruits and made her famous homemade tomato sauce for her family; although, it won’t ever taste quite the same again. Maria will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Born on June 19, 1937, to the late Michael and Chiara Piscopo in Ceglie del Campo, Bari, Italy, Maria was the beloved wife of almost 67 years of Pasquale DeFilippis. Cherished mother of Rachele (Thomas) Rentner and Rocco DeFilippis; adored grandmother of Marissa (Tim) Janiszewski, Christina (DJ) Karbowski, Tom Rentner, and Pasquale, Salvatore, and Rocco Jr. DeFilippis; dear great grandmother of Caleb Karbowski; and fond sister of Consiglia (the late Vito) D’Ambrosio, Carmen Piscopo, and the late Joseph Piscopo.
Visitation Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 4pm until 8pm at Oehler Funeral Home, 2099 Miner Street, Des Plaines, IL. Mass of Christian Burial Friday, October 2, 2026, at 11am at St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church, 3535 Thornwood Ave, Glenview, IL. Entombment All Saints Catholic Cemetery, Des Plaines, IL.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Maria’s honor to the Blood Cancer United Foundation.
