Maria Villella Chiodo

In Loving Memory of Maria Villella - Chiodo 1942 – 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother (and Nonna), Maria Villella-Chiodo, who passed away peacefully on October 27, 2025.

Born in 1942 in Sambiase, Italy, Maria entered this world during a time of hardship. Her father, serving in the Italian military, passed away shortly after she was born. When she was very young, her mother remarried, and together they had three children who became her cherished half-siblings. At just 13 years old, after her mother passed away from a heart condition, she courageously stepped into a role far beyond her years and lovingly helped raise her younger siblings. From the very beginning, she embodied strength, sacrifice, and unconditional love.

At age 19, she married her devoted husband, Gennaro, and together they built a beautiful family. In 1974, seeking opportunity and a better life for her children, she bravely immigrated to the United States without speaking a word of English. She taught herself to speak the language by watching soap operas. Over the years she worked tirelessly as a seamstress to help support her family. While they had very little, her work ethic, perseverance, and resilience became guiding examples for everyone, especially her children, Joseph, Gino, Anthony, and Maria. She instilled in each of them the values of hard work, humility, and determination.

Nonna was an amazing cook. She could make something out of nothing and in the early years had one of the biggest vegetable gardens in the neighborhood. Her meals were nothing short of legendary, full of warmth and tradition, crafted with the same love she poured into every corner of her immaculate home. Her door was always open, her table always full. There wasn’t much she couldn’t create in the kitchen, and everyone had a favorite (rice balls, zucchini patties, grispelli, homemade bread and so much more). She was meticulous and put love into everything she did and she never went to bed with so much as a fork left in the sink. Her cleanliness was unmatched.

She also possessed a beautiful singing voice that brought joy to her family. Some of the fondest memories from early years were evenings of music, when she and our father would entertain friends, with his guitar and her song. One of her favorite songs to sing was “Calabrisella Mia” and any song from her favorite Italian performer, Toto Cutugno. That passion for music became a cherished family thread, passed down to her grandchildren, many of whom found their own voices singing in choirs at school. She sang to them constantly when they were young, songs like “You are My Sunshine”, “I love you, you love me” and “Clean up” from Barney.

She found joy in life’s simple comforts. One of her favorite rituals was sharing a small cup of espresso, always brewed perfectly, always served in her adored little cups, each inscribed with an Italian word. These moments, shared across generations, were quiet reminders of home, heritage, and connection.

Our mom was also a woman of deep faith. Though quiet in her practice, she recited the rosary every day and read her bible faithfully. When she first arrived in America, a kind priest, Father Shanahan, noticed her struggling to follow along from the altar and gifted her a bible written in Italian so she could pray and participate with comfort. It became her treasure, worn and softened by decades of devotion. On one occasion, her family counted no fewer than 14 different rosary beads, each one given to her by a different person, and carrying a special meaning. She believed that prayer could help everyone, and she held her family close in her intentions every day. Even as dementia progressed and memories faded, her faith remained strong and lasting.

Perhaps Maria’s greatest joy came from her role as Nonna to her eight beloved grandchildren: Christine (Madison), Victoria, Alyssa  (Bryce), Cayla, Jessica, Brianna, Robbie, and Cierra. She helped raise each of them, sharing her stories, traditions, and unwavering love. To them, she was not only a Nonna, but a mentor, caregiver, a friend and quiet hero.

In her later years, our mother faced the challenges of severe dementia. Even as her world became unfamiliar, she found peace sitting on her back porch, watching the birds, squirrels, chipmunks, and especially the deer. Feeding them and offering fresh water, she became their Nonna too.

Our mom was blessed with cherished friendships that spanned a lifetime. Fortunata, Laura, and Pina remained by her side, visiting often and sharing stories that helped her remember the vibrant days of the past.

She is survived by her four children Joe (Carol), Gino (Lori), Anthony (Tina), Maria (Rob), her eight cherished grandchildren, and her loving youngest sister, Mirella.

She is preceded in death by her devoted husband Gennaro, her parents, Pasquale Villella and Geltruda Villella-Vescio, her Nonna, Nicolina Marano (who she often referred to as her mother), her sister Teresa, and her brother Domenico.

She leaves behind a legacy of resilience, devotion, faith, and immeasurable love. Her life was a testament to what it means to never give up, no matter how difficult the journey. She taught us that strength is quiet, love is patient, Family is everything, and sometimes the sweetest memories are held in a tiny cup of espresso.

She will be missed more than words can ever express, but her spirit lives on in the generations she nurtured, the recipes she perfected, the music she shared, the warmth of her hospitality, her unwavering faith, and the lessons she taught simply by living.

A private mass will be held in honor of our mother and her faith in Christ and the Blessed Mother, before taking her to her final resting place at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation in her honor. Arrangements entrusted into William Slater II Funeral Service, Scott Twp., 412-563-2800.

Rest peacefully, Nonna.“I love you more”