Anna Wanda Chiaradonna

Anna Wanda Chiaradonna

SPRINGFIELD – Anna Wanda Chiaradonna, 85, of Springfield, passed away Friday, May 11, 2007 in her home.

She was born in Avellino, Italy on February 2, 1922, the daughter of Cesare and Maria Elisa Guerriero Baratta. She married Armando Chiaradonna of Montella, Italy on October 24, 1948. He preceded her death on December 21, 1995. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her brother Valdimiro Baratta.

Mrs. Chiaradonna was educated in Italy, and was a grammar school teacher. She moved to the United States in 1954. She and Armando settled in the Riverton area where she resided until moving to Springfield in 2001. As an active contributor to many charitable organizations, Mrs. Chiaradonna generously volunteered her time. She was a member of the St. James Church in Riverton, St. Anthony’s Guild, where she served as President. She was also a member of the St. James Altar and Rosary Society, and a lay member of the Third Order of Mount Carmel. She was a former member of the Sangamon County Women’s Medical Auxiliary, as well as the Roman Cultural Women’s Auxiliary, where she was a founding member, and also served as President. She enjoyed teaching the Italian language through private tutoring and as a contributing member of the Foreign Language Center, often acting as an interpreter and cultural ambassador for the Springfield area and was a founding member of the Ethnic Festival.

Her greatest joy was enriching the lives of her family and friends, always eager to cook for large family gatherings. She lived for her family and loved every aspect of being a caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.

She is survived by her children Geny C. Chiaradonna of Springfield, Illinois, Dr. Nicola Chiaradonna of Phoenix, Arizona, and Cesare Chiaradonna of Redlands, CA, five grandchildren: Daniele, Matteo, Alexandra, Stefano, and Maris Chiaradonna, and three great-grandchildren, two nieces in Italy, several great-nephews and nieces in Italy, and numerous nieces and nephews in the United States.

Visitation is 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at Staab Funeral Home where a prayer service will be held at 5 p.m. Funeral mass will be held 10 am Thursday, May 17, 2007 at St. James Church in Riverton, Illinois, Rev. John Nolan officiating. Staab Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.