Maria Domenica “Mary” Dal Corobbo, a lifelong resident of Morton Grove, Illinois, passed away on March 9, 2026, at the age of 89. Her passing marks the finish of an era for a woman deeply rooted in the community and cherished by her family and friends.
Dal Corobbo’s life spanned nearly nine decades, witnessing significant changes in the region and maintaining a steadfast connection to her faith and family. She spent her final years at Belmont Village Senior Living in Glenview, Illinois, after a lifetime spent in Morton Grove. Her story is one of dedication, service, and enduring relationships.
Born to Battista and Albina (Munari) Dal Corobbo, Mary was a devoted aunt to Charles (Deborah) and John (Melissa) Dal Corobbo, and a loving great-aunt to Camden, Nolan, and Gianni Dal Corobbo. She was also a cherished godmother to Jay Rain and held a special place in the lives of Debra Regan and her siblings, serving as a “second mother” following the passing of their mother, Mary’s dear friend Sandra Klemp. She was predeceased by her brother, Bruno Dal Corobbo, sister-in-law Frances Fenwick, and nephew Michael Dal Corobbo.
Following her graduation from Niles Township High School East, Dal Corobbo embarked on a decades-long career at G.D. Searle pharmaceutical company in Skokie, Illinois. She rose through the ranks to become a supervisor of the primate colony, demonstrating a commitment to her work and a capacity for leadership. Her dedication to Searle spanned many years before her retirement.
A Lifelong Connection to Saint Martha Church
Even after retirement, Mary remained actively involved in her community, dedicating her time as a volunteer at Saint Martha Church in Morton Grove. Her connection to the church ran deep, beginning with her parents’ marriage in the original church building in 1933. She found spiritual fulfillment and forged lasting friendships through her volunteer work, becoming a pillar of the parish.
Those who knew her remember Mary as a woman of quiet strength and unwavering faith. Her commitment to Saint Martha wasn’t merely attendance; it was an active participation in the life of the community, offering support and friendship to fellow parishioners.
A Love Story Cut Short
Later in life, Mary found companionship with Joseph Zuccollo of Morton Grove, and the couple planned to marry. Sadly, their happiness was short-lived, as Joe passed away shortly after his own mother, whom he had devotedly cared for in her later years. This loss, while deeply painful, underscored Mary’s capacity for love and compassion.
Funeral services celebrating Mary’s life will be held on Monday, March 16, 2026. Visitation with family and friends will take place from 9:00-11:00 AM at Simkins Funeral Home, located at 6251 Dempster St., Morton Grove. A funeral mass will follow at 11:30 AM at Saint Martha Catholic Church, 8523 Georgiana Ave., Morton Grove. Interment will be held at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines at a later date.
Mary Dal Corobbo’s legacy will live on through the memories of her family and friends, and the positive impact she had on the Morton Grove community. Her dedication to her faith, her family, and her work serves as an inspiration to all who knew her. The family requests that those wishing to honor her memory consider a donation to Saint Martha Church.
As the community mourns her loss, the focus shifts to supporting her family and celebrating a life well-lived. Further details regarding the interment at All Saints Cemetery will be announced at a later date. We encourage those who knew Mary to share their memories and condolences with the Dal Corobbo family.