Angela Strazzante

Angela Laureen Strazzante, “Angie”, 83, of Elk Grove Village, passed away January 12, 2026. Born in Chicago, raised in the Austin neighborhood, Angie graduated elementary school from Our Lady Help of Christians and Siena High School before following her high school sweetheart to the University of Illinois, where she furthered her education. Angie worked as a legal secretary in Champaign until the young married couple moved back to Chicago, Illinois. After a short stint at Baker McKenzie Law Firm, she took 18 years off to raise her daughter. As a deeply devoted full-time mother, Angie poured her heart into raising her daughter, Lisa— the light of her life. Her days revolved around Lisa’s world, but she never did anything halfway. Angie served as Brownie Leader and Booster Club President and Office Manager at Lisa’s gymnastic club, along with several capacities at her daughter’s PTA, culminating in President. She was always the first to step forward and volunteer whenever a need arose. She instilled unwavering values, strong morals, and a tireless work ethic, shaping Lisa into a compassionate, independent, and well-rounded individual. Angie truly was a “one-of-a-kind mom,” and she carried that role with pride, generosity, and joy. Once Lisa was grown, Angie reinvented herself and returned to the workforce as an administrative assistant in the pharmaceutical industry. Starting in an era before computers, she eagerly learned new technologies and adapted with determination and grace. She worked tirelessly for G.D. Searle, Pfizer, and Watson Pharmaceuticals, dedicated to excellence, before retiring at the age of 70. Angie found happiness in simple pleasures—loving cats and dogs, bowling with the Young at Heart league, playing bingo and cards, and traveling—especially when those adventures were shared with her daughter. Angie had a lifelong passion for the arts and was an enthusiastic season ticket holder at the theater. Her artistic talent showed up everywhere: dancing as a child, painting watercolors, designing logos, organizing beloved grammar school reunions, and creating countless illustrations, articles, and newsletters for both work and school projects alike. Creativity wasn’t a hobby for Angie—it was simply how she moved through life. Angie was the devoted mother of Lisa Marie (fiancé Keith Croxdale) Strazzante, the dear sister of James Cairelli and sister-in-law Sandra Cairelli, and the fond aunt and cousin of many. She is also survived by her lifelong best friend since kindergarten, Angi Franz, and many loyal grammar and high school friends, including Sil Pesavento. She is preceded in death by her parents Eremeldo Cairelli and Josephine Zullo Cairelli and her Godson, Steve Franz. A springtime service is being planned. Please check back to this website for information. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital: www.stjude.org. Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-318-1305 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com.

Angela Strazzante

May 25, 1942 - January 12, 2026