Meadows Funeral Home

     Virginia Benker (nee Chiarello), 92, of Rolling Meadows, passed away peacefully March 18, 2025.
     Born Sept. 27, 1932, to Giovanni Battista and Concetta Speciale Chiarello, Virgina lived a bountiful life guided by her faith and rooted in a devotion to family that inspired her as a loving wife to Michael, her husband of nearly 50 years; a caring mother to seven children; and beloved “Nana” and “Gigi” to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
     A life-long learner, Virginia displayed natural curiosity and never-ending fascination with how things work, which motivated her to value education from an early age. After her family returned to Chicago in her teen years, she showed up at Lake View High School ready to learn even though she wasn’t actually enrolled at the school. Married, with kids at home, she took classes at a local city college to broaden her knowledge in the 1970s.
     Her interest in art started as a child and blossomed over the years. Although encouraged to attend a formal art school, Virginia explored multiple mediums through her own self-exploration and numerous classes which led her to paint and create charcoal and pastel drawings. In her later years, Virginia’s talents came to life through colored pencil drawings she proudly displayed at home, shared as treasured gifts and, using her knack for modern technology, posted on Facebook for all to see.
     A nurturer by nature, Virginia cared for two younger sisters and a niece while only in high school herself. She dedicated herself as Michael’s primary caregiver for many years following a disabling stroke in 1980.
     After Michael’s passing in 2000, she embarked on a vibrant new chapter that led her to learn Italian and visit Italy, play the handbells in her church choir and spend countless hours creating beautiful artwork featuring nature and other images that inspired her – including her family.
      Above all else, family filled her heart. She showed her love through homemade apple pies and braciola – and her delicious contributions to “Cookie Land” each Christmas. She never missed posting a birthday message on Facebook to recognize someone’s special day. She brought smiles to everyone who heard her story of being hit in the face with a pie on The Bozo Show or dressing up as a sandwich mascot. She attended more dance recitals, comedy shows, sporting events and family milestone events than anyone could remember – and bought books and CDs created by those closest to her – so everyone felt her love and support.
     Her prayers have been felt by family and friends everywhere for years, and now she will look over everyone from the heavens for eternity.
     Virginia is survived by her children, Michael (Mary) Benker, Cathy Tibbetts, John Benker, Nancy (Scott) Tiffen, Mary Benker, Tim (Jeanne) Benker, and Fran Benker; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Ann; and numerous nieces and nephews.
     She was preceded in death by her parents, five sisters, and her husband.
     Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 23, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Meadows Funeral Home, 3615 Kirchoff Road in Rolling Meadows. A funeral mass is scheduled for Monday, March 24, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Emily Catholic Church, 1000 E. Central Road in Mount Prospect, with a visitation preceding the services beginning at 9:30 a.m. Burial to follow, please meet at the office  at St. Adelbert Cemetery, 6800 N Milwaukee Ave., Niles by 12 noon and we will process from the office to the chapel.
     Flowers may be sent to Meadows Funeral Home or donations in Virginia’s name can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Society.