Racine – Ellen Marie Bilello, 85, passed away at Lakeshore Manor on Tuesday, March 14, 2006. She was born in Mathers, Pennsylvania on September 17, 1920, daughter of the late Nazzarino and Irene (nee: Armfield) Virgili. Ellen spent most of her youth in Kenosha, moving to Racine after her marriage to Peno Bilello on July 25, 1942.
Ellen was proud to be a called a homemaker and mom. She spent so much time in the kitchen, lovingly preparing meals for Peno and her children. As her children married, and the family grew to include grandchildren, she delighted in her new role as grandma. Ellen loved to keep a journal of life adventures from her early childhood and beyond. She also enjoyed dancing and listening to big band music. Ellen was a lifetime faithful member of Faith United Methodist Church. Her Church family was equally important to her. She was a life member of T.O.P.S., where she held positions as President and Secretary. Ellen was also a member of Vittoria Colona lodge.
She is survived by her children, Barbara (Tom Mulligan) Campbell-Mulligan of Kenosha, Nick (Chris) Bilello of Union Grove, Maggie (Rick) Gillis, and Mariann Bilello both of Racine; grandchildren, Heather (Jack) Kammein, and Chad Campbell both of Racine, Kevin Bilello, and Keith (Dana) Bilello both of Milwaukee, Ryan Bilello of Union Grove, Parker Gillis, and Carly Wunsch both of Racine; 3 great-grandchildren; sisters and brothers, Edith Acerbi, and Ernest (Edith) Virgili both of Kenosha, George Virgili of Hurst, Texas, Ned Virgili, and Clarise Hartman both of Kenosha; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends, including Jesse Zuniga and his family. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Peno; brother, Fred Virgili; son-in-law, Dell Wunsch; sister-in-law, Sandy Petersen; and brother-in-law, Sam Bilello.
Funeral services will be held in the funeral home on Monday, March 20, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Cherie Forret officiating. Entombment will follow at Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will begin in the funeral home on Sunday evening with the Vittoria Colona service at 5:00 p.m., and continue until 7:00. There will also be time to visit with the family on Monday morning beginning at 10:00. Memorials to Faith United Methodist Church, or your favorite charity have been suggested.
Heartfelt thanks are extended to the Staff at Lakeshore Manor, especially the 5th floor, for all that you have done for our mother and our family. It was your caring attitude that put our family at ease. God Bless you all.
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