Visitation Information

Maria R. Sparano

Passed away on February 4, 2026

Maria Sparano, (nee Prioli), age 92, late of the East Side, passed away February 4, 2026.  Beloved wife of the late Francesco.  Loving mother of Frank (Nancy) Sparano, Dominic (Franca) Sparano, Rosetta (John) Castaneda and Angelo (Marijana) Sparano.  Devoted grandmother of Gabrielle Sparano, Maria Sparano, Frankie Sparano, Nicolette (Adriel) Echeverria, Ashley Castaneda, Mirela (Nikola) Bosnjak and Amanda (Luka) Kosic.

 Maria R. Prioli Sparano, born and raised in Altomonte, Calabria, Italy, was a woman of extraordinary strength, generosity, and love. She was an East Side resident since 1974 and the devoted wife of the late Francesco Sparano, with whom she shared 39 years of marriage.

A lifelong Catholic, Maria lived her faith through service and unconditional love for others. Her devotion to God guided her life and was reflected in the care she gave to everyone around her.

Maria was a loving wife, mother, sister, and a deeply cherished grandmother. Her home was always filled with warmth and the comforting aroma of her cooking. She loved to cook for her family and always made a little extra for her neighbors, because no one ever left her table hungry.

She had a joyful spirit and a love for life’s simple pleasures. Maria enjoyed singing traditional Italian folk songs, playing cards, and giving everyone she met a special nickname that made them feel instantly known and loved.

A natural caregiver with the biggest heart, Maria spent much of her life caring for others. In Italy, she selflessly took care of her mother and mother-in-law, often placing their needs before her own. While her husband Francesco came to the United States in 1971, Maria remained in Italy, raising their four children on her own. She worked in the fields to make ends meet and made countless sacrifices for her family. Once her family was settled in America, Maria brought her father to the United States and lovingly cared for him until his passing.

Later in life, the care she had always given became the joy she shared with her grandchildren. She watched movies, played Italian card games, walked with them in the neighborhood, and shared her traditions, passing down love, culture, and faith.

Maria Sparano was the strongest, most hardworking woman, and above all, a deeply loving mother. Her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched with her kindness, resilience, and unconditional love. 

She will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

Visitation Tuesday 2-8pm.  Funeral services Wednesday, February 11, 2026  10:30am prayers from Elmwood Chapel, 11200 S. Ewing Ave., Chicago to Our Lady of Nazareth Church (formerly Annuciata Church).  Mass 11am. Entombment Holy Cross Cemetery.  773-731-2749  www.elmwoodchapel.com