Anita Cecelia De Lara – age 84, of Joliet, IL, peacefully and unexpectedly went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 23rd 2023 at the Pearl of Joliet in Joliet, IL. Born in Pueblo, CO. on August 16, 1939, she was the daughter of the Rev. Castulo and Anna (Tomboly) De Lara.

Anita was educated at Forest Park Elementary School, Joliet Central Jr. High School, and graduated from Joliet Township High School in 1957. She began her work career with AT&T Bell Telephone as an operator and went on to become an office manager in the Joliet, Springfield, Rockford and Chicago offices in Illinois. She retired in 1991 after 35 years with the company.

She was a devoted member of St. Peter Lutheran Church since 1956 and was a member of the church choir, serving as a soloist for church services, weddings and funerals. She also served as a guest soloist for nearby churches. She had the privilege of being the Church Treasurer for many years.

Anita is survived by her three brothers, Philip (special friend Jan) De Lara, Daniel De Lara and Joseph (Janice Brassal) De Lara and her three sisters, Marian (late Louis) Pangrazio, Rebecca (Joseph) Briske and Elizabeth (Joseph) Yedinak. She also had numerous nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Rev. Castulo and Anna, a sister Martha Carlino (December 12, 2023) and two brothers John (Norma) Bardi and Daniel De Lara in infancy.

Funeral services will be held at St. Peter Lutheran Church 310 N. Broadway, Joliet, Saturday, December 30th at 11:00 A.M. Visitation will be held Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until time of services. Interment Elmhurst Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials to St. Peter Lutheran Church or donors choice would be appreciated.

For information call (815) 744-0022 or visit www.CHSFUNERAL.com.