Catherine "Rina" Fedele, 94, of Chicago, passed away January 14, 2024.  She is predeceased by her loving husband of 61 years, Giovanni Rocco Fedele, parents and her siblings, Domenico, Carmela and Esterina. She is survived by only daughter Maria; grandsons Jim (Molly), Jon (Courtney), and Jeff (RJ); great-grandchildren Rocco, Henry, and Thea. Catherine was surrounded daily by her loving family over the last months of her life.

Born in Calabria, Italy to the late Caterina Oliveri Maisano and John Maisano, Catherine survived being maternally orphaned as a young child, lovingly raised by her grandmother as her father emigrated to the U.S. in order to support his family who endured many hardships during WWII. Once completing her schooling, she ventured to the U.S. at age 21 seeking the American dream.  She married Giovanni Rocco Fedele and together they worked very hard to build a life of commitment and comfort, never forgetting where they came from.  After retirement, they were able to spend 15 years together living in Naples, Florida, her "heaven on earth", before returning to Chicago to be near family.  After Rocco's death, she lived independently, cleaning, shopping, cooking, and enjoying watching sports.

Catherine was most happy when surrounded by family and fervently prepared wonderful meals to their immense enjoyment. She leaves many fond memories of lavish family dinners, where everyone was sure to gush her with compliments, which, of course, had her beaming with joy and satisfaction. She was kind, funny, and opinionated. She didn't miss a trick.

She will be missed by all who knew her.

Family and friends will meet Monday, January 22, 2024, at Assumption Catholic Church, 323 West Illinois Street, Chicago, Illinois 60654 for a 9:30 a.m. Visitation followed by an 10:30 a.m. Funeral Mass. Entombment St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleums, River Grove, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, www.stjude.org , 800-805-5856.

For further information please call 312-421-0936.