Marie Marsalli

Marie Marsalli, age 88 of Kankakee, passed away, Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at her home. She was born on October 1, 1937, in Kankakee, the daughter of Lorenzo and Maria Rosa (Lera) Marsalli. Marie was a graduate of Kankakee High School. Marie was a charter member of St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Kankakee and a former parishioner of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Marie was employed at Valspar Corporation (and its predecessor companies) for 47 years as a Regional Human Relations/Benefit Administrator. She was a member of the Americo Vespucci Lodge #1722, Order Sons, and Daughters of Italy in America and served as President. Marie served as President of the Grand Lodge of Illinois/Wisconsin, Order Sons, and Daughters of Italy in America and President of the Illinois Sons of Italy Foundation. Marie was awarded the inaugural Spirit Award and the Leonardo da Vinci Award of Excellence by the Grand Lodge of Illinois/Wisconsin, Order Sons, and Daughters of Italy in America. Marie volunteered at the YMCA and served as a Kankakee County Election Judge both at the County Clerk’s Office and polling places. She received an Outstanding Volunteer in Kankakee County Award. Marie enjoyed shopping with her sisters; having coffee at Starbucks; going to the casino and travelling on cruise ships. She enjoyed spending quality time with her family and friends. Marie visited relatives in Italy on several occasions and travelled to Italy, Spain, Portugal, Russia, Germany, Holland, Sicily, Egypt, and Copenhagen. With her parents, she was able to visit their hometown in Italy (Lucca) for three months and meet 106 relatives (Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins) for the first time. She sailed on the Christopher Columbus ship of the Italian Lines. Surviving are one sister, Theresa (Joseph) Giacchino of Bradley; four nephews, Michael Gierke, Joseph (Julie) Giacchino and Jerome (Sue) Giacchino all of Bourbonnais, James (Candace) Giacchino of Clarksville, TN: ten great nephews and nieces, Mason (Jennifer) Gierke, Mitchell Gierke, Jenna Marie (Matthew) Brooks, Juliane (Jonathan) Anderson, Justin (Kristin) Giacchino, Anne (Max) Diaz, Maria Giacchino, Nathan (Danae) Giacchino, Jarrett (Gretchen) Giacchino, Alyssa Rose Giacchino; thirteen great great nephews and nieces, Kello Brooks, Giabella Brooks, Veda Brooks, Avery Anderson, Harper Anderson, Isla Giacchino, Dominic Diaz, Luca Giacchino, Alexander Diaz, Irene Diaz, Vincent Giacchino, Gianna Giacchino, Juliana Giacchino; and numerous cousins in Italy, Denver, and Canada. Marie is preceded in death by her parents; one sister and brother-in-law, Lola (Harold) Gierke; one nephew, Ronald Gierke; and one niece-in-law, Mary Gierke. A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 22, 2025, at St. John Paul II, West Campus, Kankakee. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Kankakee. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, donors wishes, or Masses.

Marie Marsalli

October 1, 1937 - December 16, 2025