Ann M. Aitken, 93, Chicago

Ann M. (Scardino) Aitken, 93, Chicago, died Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016, at Florence Nursing Home, Marengo, surrounded by family, friends and a caring staff.

She was born March 25, 1922, to Antonio and Salvatora Scardino in Waukegan. 

She lived in Chicago from 1951 to 2010, when she suffered a stroke. 

She was a parishioner at St. Priscilla Catholic Church since 1952 and was a member of the B.V.M. Society until her stroke. An avid volunteer, her activities included being a Girl Scout leader, collecting for March of Dimes, sewing for Medical Mission, helping at bingo, helping with the Salvation Army and driving senior citizens to various appointments. 

She was a stay-at-home mom for many years and enjoyed crafting, sewing, cooking and baking.  She then went to work at Motorola until she retired. Retirement included daily Mass, mall walking at the H.I.P., joining a polka-dancing group and a line-dancing group, and having occasional luncheons with a senior citizen group. 

She always will be remembered as a caring person with a zest for life. She brought joy and laughter to the staff and residents of Florence Nursing Home.     

Survivors include her children, Mary (Everett) Benn, Wonder Lake, Dennis Aitken, Orfordville, Wis., and Diane (John) Ferraro, Woodstock; seven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Samuel Scardino and Anthony (JoElaine) Scardino; and 10 nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Frank Scardino, Chicago; a sister, Josephine Zeman (Earl Aitken), Chicago; and a daughter, Nancy Thomas, Lakeland, Fla. 

The visitation and funeral Mass were Feb. 20 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Hartland. The Rev. George Birungyi presided. Interment was private. 

Memorials can be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.  

Arrangements were made by Schneider-Leucht-Merwin and Cooney Funeral Home, Woodstock.