Norma Cecchini

Obituary for Norma A. CecchiniNorma Anna Cecchini, 92, of Chicago, died Monday, February 16th, 2015.Norma was born to Ernesto and Renata Corrieri on September 11, 1922 (though the birth was not registered until September 13th) in the small Tuscan village of Albiano, a locale of Barga; the site of a 10th century castle which protected the village, in the Province of Lucca, Italy. Norma had many fond memories of her youth in Barga, especially working in her father’s movie theater, “Cinema Roma.” Norma’s father, Ernesto, a US Army veteran of WWI, returned to live in Italy, his place of birth, where he met his future wife, Renata, whom he married and had two children, Norma and Franco. They lived a happy life until 1939 when, under the cloud of impending war, Ernesto left everything behind to bring his young family back to the United States where they ultimately settled in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. There, Norma and her brother, Franco, worked in the family grocery store, “Corrieri’s Market.” In 1948, on a trip to Chicago to visit relatives, Norma met her future husband, Dorando P. Cecchini, whom she married on June 4, 1949 and settled in Chicago where she remained. She lived with her husband and in-laws, Antonio and Armida Cecchini with whom she shared many special moments. The Cecchini household was the central meeting place for many gatherings of family and friends throughout the decades.Norma was a founding member of the “Giovanni Pascoli Benevolent Society of Chicago” where she helped secure contributions to establish a retirement villa in Barga, Italy which opened in 1957, and continues to prosper today.Norma was preceded in death by her husband, Dorando Cecchini; her parents, Ernesto and Renata Corrieri; brother, Franco and wife, Delia Corrieri; niece, Claudia (Corrieri) Morelle; cousins, Elda (Togneri) Fati and Faye Togneri. Norma is survived by her son, Paul (Kristine Brailey); daughter, Leana; nieces, Diana and Lynn Corrieri; cousins, Adriano DaPrato and Renee Fati; and special friend, Tina Chiappa. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude and thanks to all the individuals who helped care for Norma. Their care and concern was truly appreciated. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the “Giovanni Pascoli Benevolent Society of Chicago” in her loving memory. Please make donations payable to “Giovanni Pascoli Benevolent Society of Chicago” and mail to: Dr. Hugo Bertagni, 706 Arabian Court, Wauconda, IL 60084Visitation was Thursday February 19, at Cumberland Chapels, Norridge, IL; followed by mass at St. Francis Borgia Church, Chicago, IL; and entombment at Queen of Heaven Mausoleum, Hillside, IL.