Shirley Jane Ubriaco
Passed away on December 27, 2024
Shirley Jane Ubriaco, née Marsiliano, born October 16, 1932 in Chicago, IL, passed away on December 27, 2024 at the age of 92. Born to Italian immigrants, Rosalie and Cesaro Marsiliano, Shirley grew up in the Grand Crossing neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side.
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Robert Ubriaco Sr., a New York native and Korean War Veteran, whom she met while she was on vacation and he was stationed in Miami Beach, Florida. With Bob, she raised seven children. More than anything, Shirley was defined by her fierce devotion to her children: Denise Wertz, Robert Jr. (Teresa), Joseph (Nancy Bergeron), Michael (Carolyn), Kenneth (Jennifer Livesay), Michelle (Richard) Anderson, and Deborah (Lawrence) Scaletta.
Shirley was a loving grandmother to Daniel, Elisabeth, Allison, Lauren, Joseph, Aimee, Alicia, David, Zachary, and Sophia; great-grandmother to Autumn, Emily, Richard, Lincoln, Leia, Jack, Ethan, and Nico; and great-great-grandmother to Waylon. Shirley is also survived by her sister-in-law Mary Jo Ubriaco and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Rosalie and Cesaro Marsiliano, her brother Anthony Marsiliano, her sister-in-law Jean Cordes, her brother-in-law Pete Ubriaco, her daughter-in-law Laura Ubriaco, and a legion of beloved relatives.
Shirley worked full time while raising her seven children and continued to work well into her seventies, first as a factory worker and then as a waitress. She was known for her incredible work ethic and her unique sense of humor. Her vibrant, larger-than-life personality left an indelible mark on everyone she met.
What initially started out of necessity, cooking and baking became true passions for Shirley. She took immense pleasure in feeding those she loved. She also enjoyed singing off key and dancing. An avid swimmer, she cherished time spent in the water and found pure happiness basking in the warmth of the sun.
A lifelong, diehard Chicago Cubs fan, pictures of Cubs players adorned her refrigerator alongside pictures of her grandchildren. From Stan Hack to Ron Santo to Kerry Wood to Anthony Rizzo, Shirley loved her Cubs and remained loyal despite the often heartbreaking results, listening to or watching every inning of every game whenever possible.
Even in her later years as her health declined, Shirley maintained an unfailingly positive attitude about life. She enjoyed reading books about American presidents, eating ice cream and other sweets, watching the Cubs, and interacting with her children and grandchildren.
Deeply proud of her Italian heritage, Shirley taught her children to never forget their roots. From Shirley, her children learned what true grit and perseverance look like, and they will be forever grateful for her unparalleled, unconditional love.
Visitation Thursday, January 2, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Funeral Services Friday, January 3, 2025 at 9:45 a.m. from the Elmwood Chapel 11300 W. 97th Ln. St.John, IN. to St. John the Evangelist Church – Day Chapel (93rd and Wicker Ave) for Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 a.m. Entombment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery & Mausoleum. www.elmwoodchapel.com 219-365-3474
Funeral
Closing Prayers at Elmwood Chapel
Friday, January 3, 2025 - 9:45 am
Funeral Mass:
St. John the Evangelist Church - Day Chapel
11301 W. 93rd Ave.
St. John, Indiana 46373
Friday, January 3, 2025 - 10:30 am
Entombment:
Holy Sepulchre Cemetery
6001 W. 111th St.
Alsip, Illinois 60803
Visitation Location
St. John
11300 W. 97th Lane
St. John, IN 46373
(219) 365-3474
Visitation Information
Thursday, January 2, 2025 - 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm