Ann Calabrese

Ann N. Calabrese, passed away peacefully surrounded by family after complications from a fall. She was the Beloved Wife of Larry Pyle; Cherished Godmother and Aunt of Gina (Phil Byers) Bavone; Adored Aunt of Frankie Bavone; Loving Daughter of the late Albert and Rose Calabrese; Dear Sister of the late Camille and Albert; Fond Sister-in-law of Tiza (the late Roger) Pyle; Dear Aunt of Katherine (Lawrence) Underwood, Robert (Angela) Pyle; Grand Aunt of Andrew and Julia Pyle and Julian and Emilia Underwood; Beloved Goddaughter of Nancy Ambrosia.
Ann was born and raised in the home above her parents’ store in the Little Italy neighborhood of Chicago. She attended grade school and church at Our Lady of Pompeii and graduated from Nazareth Academy.
To stop the incessant pestering of a mutual friend, she reluctantly agreed to go on a date with Larry. After all, there was a bottle of scotch riding on it. After a year of dating, Larry proposed to Ann in the parking lot of Hawthorne Mall in Vernon Hills, IL. From then on, they were each other’s prince and princess.
Ann kept a childlike optimism and curiosity throughout her life. Every experience she had and every person she met was special to her. Her appreciation of small details was reflected in her love of antique furniture, historical homes, architecture, and decor. She passionately collected handmade dolls and felt joy in admiring and naming each one when she added them to her collection.
Ann treasured her friends. She remembered every person’s name she ever met (strangers and all!) and would surprise people by asking about details they had previously discussed. She had a militant dedication to sending birthday, anniversary, condolence, and get-well cards. If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance she could recall your birthday faster than you can. To know Ann was to be her friend. And all of Ann’s friends were friends for life.
Ann’s love of her family was best witnessed by her actions. She organized family holidays, dinners, birthday celebrations, and gatherings. She urgently cared for her sister Camille as she suffered for years with MS – arranging transport to family functions, attending all her doctor visits, and being by her side until the end of her life. She always worked hard to keep the memories of her late mom and dad, Al, and Camille alive. And as the Godmother to Camille’s daughter Gina, she was dedicated, supportive, and prideful. She loved Gina and cherished the important role she played in her life.
Ann Calabrese was one of a kind – a bionic Italian force of nature who walked to the beat of a drum the rest of us can’t even hear. She was sentimental and kept way too much stuff. She carried a flip phone because all she really needed was a way to talk to people. And she ate dessert first because it was her favorite part of the meal.
Ann’s beloved husband Larry will miss her deeply as will her family, friends, and everyone who was lucky enough to meet her. May she rest in peace as we carry her memory in our hearts.