Rena Santacaterina (nee Bartolomei)

Longtime resident of River Grove and St. Cyprian Parish. Born July 22, 1928, at rest September 2, 2016. Beloved wife of 66 years to Leno Santacaterina, cherished mother of Nancy (Thomas Donohoe), Susan (Charles Sanders), Judy (Matt Swan), Michael (Mary Ellen), and Amy. Devoted Nonni to Kevin (Erin) Donohoe, Brian (Katie) Donohoe, Jackie (Trae) Manny, Brianna Santacaterina, Lee Sanders, Michael V. Santacaterina, Zoe Sanders, Daniel Santacaterina, and Jennifer Santacaterina, caring Bisnonna to Madelynn, Marjorie, and Eleanor. Dear sister-in-law to Mary Julian, cherished "second mom" and aunt to Carol, Georgina, Mark, Donna, Nannette, Stephen, Tina, Roseanne and Thomas.

Loving daughter of Luigi and Modesta Bartolomei, Rena grew up in Chicago's Taylor Street neighborhood above the family's Nuti Bakery with her loving sisters, the late Alice (Ralph) Triggiano and the late Rose (Alfred) Maffei. A graduate of St. Patrick High School for Girls, Rena was an outstanding cook, devoted to her family and church and a die-hard White Sox fan. She will be remembered as a passionate, loyal, and giving woman who opened her home, her kitchen and her heart to many.  Visitation Tuesday 4 to 9 p.m.  Funeral Prayers, Wednesday, 9:45 a.m. at The Elms Funeral Home 7600 W. Grand Ave. (North on 76th Ave.) Elmwood Park to St. Cyprian Church, Mass 10:30 a.m.  Interment St. Joseph Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to Guerin Preparatory High School , 8001 W. Belmont, River Grove, IL 60171. For information 708-453-1234 or www.elmsfh.com