Maryann Schiller
Maryann Schiller, 88, of Palatine, IL. Born August 1, 1936, in Chicago to Ernest and Lucille DeSalvo, passed away May 29,2025.
Beloved mother of Michael (Kathy), the late Don and mother-in-law of Carol Schiller. Loving grandmother of Valerie (Keegan) Nichols, Matthew (fiancé Katelyn), Jeffery, Lauren, Nicole and great grandmother of Callum. Dear sister of Bill (Elma) DeSalvo, Terri (the late Jerry) Glusak, the late Ernie (Diane), the late Bob (Mary), the late John and the late Jim (Darlene) DeSalvo. Cherished aunt to many nieces and nephews.
Maryann was a pillar of strength and faith, and credited our Lord, Jesus Christ with giving her the strength to persevere in the face of adversity. She was a prayer warrior, often providing prayers and comfort to those in need. She had the special gift of easily relating to people, and often said that this is why God let her live so long. She was not afraid to speak her mind, and those thoughts were easily heard by anyone within earshot of her loud voice. She was not gifted at whispering!
As a young woman, Maryann pursued a career in the plate glass insurance industry. Though she had no formal business degree, she passed the insurance licensing exam and was promoted to manager, opening a new branch of Massachusetts Plate Glass in Pompano Beach, FL. Her charisma and hard work ethic made this the top selling branch of the company during her tenure. Though living far away, she made sure to maintain close ties to family. Her grandchildren affectionately called her GIFTA- Grandma For the Airport, due to frequent flights to visit back and forth. She eventually retired from her insurance career to move back to Chicago to be closer to her siblings and her two sons and their families. Maryann cherished her family, especially her 5 grandchildren and great grandson. She was affectionately known as “Guande Mom” and “Guande Grandma.” She was also close to her many nieces and nephews, and made sure to comment on every Facebook and Instagram post that they made. Her gift at connecting with others made her a natural when volunteering at the local YMCA as a greeter, and while serving on the governing board of her condominium association.
Maryann had a very colorful personality, loving anything purple, sparkly or glittery. Her first car, Greta Gremlin, was her favored shade of plum. Her gold metallic sneakers were her signature until the end. She was a true fashionista, never going out in public without completely coiffed hair and makeup. Those who lived with her knew that a lengthy morning bathroom routine was par for the course. She had a love of jewelry and QVC, and shared the spoils of her hard-earned bounty with those she loved. Maryann was a gifted artist, and took up oil painting as a young woman. She passed on this artistic talent to her son Don. Her artwork adorned the walls of her condo and the homes of many lucky recipients. Maryann had a knack for decorating, and she was proud of her perfectly maintained condo, which she decorated for every holiday season. Her strength and resilience enabled her to live independently until almost her final days. Maryann’s signature sign-off, “I love you more,” spoken at the end of every phone conversation, will be truly missed.