Caroline Loss, 91, of Roselle, beloved wife of the late Edward A. Loss. Loving mother of Michele (Fred) DeSantis, Joseph (Heather) Loss, Cindy (Terry) O'Connor, Karen (Joseph) Del Boccio, Julie (Rick) Betori, and Edward (Gail) Loss. Also survived by grandchildren, Joe, Natalie, Stefanie (Tim), Nicholas, Anthony, Rick, Frank, Kevin, Brian (Rachel), Michael, Joseph, James, Carly, and Luke and great-grandchildren Lochlan and Jaxon. Visitation Thursday, September 30, 2021, from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Crossroads Community Church, 1N100 Gary Ave, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. The funeral service will be held Friday, October 1, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at Crossroads Community Church. Entombment Mount Emblem Cemetery in Elmhurst, Illinois following the funeral service.

There is a line in a famous movie that fits well with us all right now: "I know I have a heart…because its breaking".

Our Mother, Caroline, was the oldest of four little girls born to two hard working, loving Italian immigrants, Secondo and Englesina Maccaroni,. Mom was a woman of great strength, endless love, and a deep faith, and this is her glorious story.

Her early years made her resilient - When she was just a young girl, Caroline's father passed away, leaving our Grandmother to raise 4 small girls.  It was during the Depression, and they lived cold-water only apartment.  During that time, our Mom helped provide for the family, doing everything from gathering lumps of coal around railroad tracks to heat their apartment, to caring for her infant sister, Mary.  She often stood in long lines just for the chance to get some vegetables and a little bit of fruit. She was easily recognized by her bright smile as she pulled her wagon down the street.

Her middle years formed her faith – About the time Mom turned 10 years old, God brought our grandmother (Nonna), another husband who loved Caroline and her 3 sisters as if they were his very own. He called the girls "jewels in a crown". After reading an Italian Bible, Nonna became a woman of great faith and accepted Jesus as her savior.  She immediately poured this foundation of faith into her family, and Mom's spiritual strength began to grow.

At age 16, Mom married, and just one year later her faith was tested. She was hit by a car and the prognosis was not good as she was not expected to live. Mom's pastor helped her through this difficult time, and God made it clear that she would, in fact, survive. Once again, great strength and deep faith prevailed.

In the coming years, Mom gave birth to Michelle and Joe. Following a divorce however, she had to gather her children and move back in with Nonna.  Mom worked nights so she could raise her two children during the day. She began attending a little store front church in Melrose Park where her faith grew even deeper, and she developed lifelong friendships. It was around that time that God hand-select a handsome young man named Edward Loss to be her husband. (Ed's mother was also a woman of great strength and deep faith). Caroline and Ed were blessed with four more children… three more daughters and another son. Again, her deep faith was rewarded.

Her later years were her legacy – Raising 6 children took great strength, deep faith, and a servant's heart. Our Mom put us, her grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren at the center of her world…just after God and her husband.  She would forgo basic essentials for herself in order to provide for her children, and she was rarely seen with fancy clothes, jewelry, or even a new winter coat.  Mom was at home when her family was around her, and nothing could beat "Sunday pasta at Grandma's" where family and friends were always welcome. She often said; "people are where they want to be" and she lived that passionately as she prioritized her family. She really believed her grandchildren "could do no wrong".  Caroline had an immeasurable love for family, and instilled in her children that same great strength and deep faith as she prepared us, each in our own way, for the day she would meet Jesus.

Our Mother was a kind, compassionate and remarkable woman with an abiding faith in God and a wonderful example for her children and grandchildren. We know we will see our Mother again, and we know her grandchildren and great grandchildren will continue to honor her legacy.