ROCHELLE — When asked what would she want her Superpower to be, she replied, “I would like to heal people.” A loving kind, warm and gracious soul.

Fortunata “Rosa” Covelli Cassola, 89, passed away peacefully at home, Wednesday, April 2, 2025 with her daughter by her side. Fortunata was born on July 6, 1935 in Calabria, Italy. She was the eldest daughter of Nicola and Maria Bonofiglio Covelli.

Coming from hard times, Fortunata wanted to create a good life for her family and for herself. This gave her purpose and drive to work hard everyday.

She met her loving husband, Gaetano “Tony” Cassola, in Chicago IL.  On October 28, 1962, they married in Chicago, Illinois.  They both shared the same values, ideas and passion for life and went on to have two children, Joseph and Mary.

With Gaetano’s culinary history and Fortunata’s passion for cooking, Tony and Rosa went on to own and operate the iconic Naples Deli in Rochelle, IL for over 40 years. Fortunata “Rosa” was know for her home cooking and noted for her famous homemade cheesecake from Illinois to New York City. They were smart in their business ventures and went on to make investments that secured their future and their family’s future.

Fortunata led with her heart and always with pure intentions. She had a great sense of humor and her laugh was bright and infectious. She made friends easily and knew how to bring out the best in people.  Those who knew her could feel her unconditional love. She spoke with care and gentle guidance. Her life experiences made her relatable and she elevated those around her for she saw greatness in others and lived by the motto: “Never give up.”

Fortunata loved her family and she deeply missed her son, Joseph, who was taken too early in life in 1984. Throughout their union, she lovingly stood by her husband, Gaetano, who now rests in peace with her son, Joseph, since 2017.

She is survived by her daughter, Mary, who remained close to her and into the next chapter of life. Together, they continued the legacy of her son, Joseph and husband, Gaetano who told his family to prosper, grow and continue life to the fullest. She is also survived by her two brothers: Franco Covelli of Bari, Italy and Rocco Covelli of Milano, Italy; several nieces, nephews and extended family.

In addition to her parents, husband and son, she is preceded in death by her younger sister, Rosa Covelli Pattarino.

Fortunata was an artisan at heart.  When she wasn’t cooking, she enjoyed working with her hands crafting blankets and scarves for friends, family and donating to shelters and care communities.  In the warm weather, you could find Fortunata cultivating her garden of swiss chard, tomatoes, basil and parsley. She enjoyed her greens and being outdoors. She led a lifestyle of creating healthy meals from garden to table and moving every day. From walks in the park to fitness classes, she surrounded herself with people who shared her quest for life.

Fortunata, worked alongside her daughter, Mary, every day. They also, went on many adventures in the United States and across the world. They traveled together and with extended family to places like Italy, Spain, Africa, Portugal, Sardegna to name a few and regularly exploring the great city of Chicago and surrounding areas.

With her beautiful shining smile, Fortunata was an inspiration to friends and family. Leading a healthy lifestyle, loving life, with a desire to learn more and explore life to the fullest potential. She lives in our hearts, will be greatly missed and always celebrated.

Visitation and funeral mass will be held on the same day, Monday, April 21, 2025.

Visitation: Monday, April 21, 2025, Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle, 9:30 - 11:30 A.M.

Following the visitation, there will be a procession to the church.

Funeral mass: Monday, April 21, 2025, St. Patrick Catholic Church, 236 Kelley Drive, Rochelle, 12:00 P.M.    Father Carl Beekman will be officiating.

Cremation care has been provided by the Unger-Horner Funeral Home.  Memorials may be made in Fortunata’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.