Margaret E. “Marge” Chenniliaro, 102, of Streator, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at O.S.F. Center for Health – Streator.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 A.M. on Friday, January 2nd at St. Michael the Archangel Church, Streator. Visitation will be held from 9–11 A.M. that morning at the Solon‑Telford Funeral Home, with the rosary recited at 8:45 A.M. Burial will follow in St. Stephen’s Cemetery.
Born on November 14, 1923, in Streator, Marge was the daughter of Michael and Margaret (Fialko) Madara. She married Samuel Chenniliaro, who preceded her in death on May 2, 1993.
Marge is survived by her daughters, Angela (Bill Vietti) Chenniliaro of Streator and Peggy Connors of Murphysboro; her son, Sam (Laura) Chenniliaro of Rockford; grandchildren Gina (Terry) Prine of Bloomington, Jori (Matt) Lawson of Danvers, and Tom (Emily) Corley of Cartersville; and great‑grandchildren Carlie, Emma, Isabel, Fiona, and Rose. She is also survived by her sister, Pat Wahl of Streator, along with several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her grandson, John Corley; her great‑granddaughter, Kathryn Corley; brothers John, Louis, Michael Jr., Ralph, John, Eugene, James, and Joseph Madara; and sisters Marian Cavanaugh, Betty Winebriner, Florence Haas and Rita Robinson.
A lifelong resident of Streator, Marge attended St. Stephen’s Grade School, received her high school diploma and attended IVCC. She worked for JC Penney in Streator for 26 years, where she was known for her kindness, dedication, and genuine care for customers. She also shared her love of design through her Home Interior sales business, forming lasting connections throughout the community.
Marge was a woman of deep faith. She was a longtime member of the former St. Stephen’s Church and later St. Michael the Archangel Church. She also belonged to the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary and the Kanasta Klub.
She found joy in gardening, tending lovingly to her flower beds, reading, arranging flowers, and making wreaths. Above all, she cherished time with her family, especially visits from her grandchildren, which always brightened her day.
Marge will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Memorials may be directed to the charity of the donor’s choice.
