Carmela (Caso) Alberotanza

Carmela Alberotanza, nee Caso, 85, of Elmhurst, IL passed away on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at Avantara Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Libertyville, IL.

Carmela was born May 19, 1940 in Romagnano al Monte, Italy, and was the oldest of four daughters born to the union of Luciano and Maria Caso.

 Carmela is survived by her loving and devoted daughter and caregiver, Caterina Maria (Giovanni Jr.) Buffi and her grandson Giovanni Buffi III of Grayslake, IL, and her son Vitantonio Luciano Alberotanza of Chicago, her sisters: Rita (Carmine) Tortoriello, Angela Caso, and Franca Caso, aunt of Michele (Maria Assunta) Tortoriello and Maria Cristina (Donato) Rago, great aunt of Luciana Tortoriello, Maria Letizia Tortoriello and Simone Tortoriello, and Antonio Rago all of Italy, and many cousins and dear friends.  

Carmela was preceded in death by her parents Luciano and Maria Caso, her loving husband of 51 years, Vito Alberotanza, her infant brother, Francesco,  Also, her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Carmela was friendly and sociable. She and Vito came from Italy speaking only Italian and bringing their many Italian traditions.  They adapted to many new things and new ways of life while raising their family and often exposing the family to new opportunities and educational experiences.  Carmela was an amazing cook, making meals from scratch, rarely needing to refer to recipes, and utilizing all of the fruits, vegetables, and herbs from her meticulous garden.  She enjoyed being active spending time in her yard and garden and enjoyed sewing and making different things.

Carmela was a member of the Elmhurst Police SALT organization and loved attending plays, parties, family and friends gatherings, picnics, senior and retiree events, playing bunco, attending Mass and church functions and a wide variety of events. Being involved with her family and close friends was important to her.

She especially loved being with her grandson, Giovanni, who brought her so much love, joy, happiness, and new life.

Visitation will be held 4:00 to 8:00 PM Friday, January 23, 2026 at the Symonds Lakes Funeral Home 111 W. Belvidere Rd. , Grayslake, IL, 60030, and 10:00 AM Saturday, January 24, 2026 at St. Gilbert Catholic Church 301 E. Belvidere Rd., Grayslake, IL., 60030 until time of funeral mass at 11:00 AM, Entombment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside, IL, Christ the King Mausoleum, entombment to be held privately.  For additional information please contact the funeral home at 847-543-1080.

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