Mia Rosalie (Cacciabondo) Geheren, a cherished mother, daughter, sister, and friend, passed away at the age of 54 on May 21, 2023, at Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital in Huntley, Ill.
Born on August 7, 1968, in Chicago to Jack and Sharon (Tripp) Cacciabondo, Mia was known for her remarkable resilience and strength. From the age of 12, she faced life-altering illnesses with unwavering positivity. Despite her own trials, she was a beacon of selflessness and care. Her personal struggles never overshadowed her commitment to others; she truly was our saint on earth.
After graduating from St. Mary's College in Winona, Minn. Mia poured her compassion into a career in education and dedicated herself to enriching her community through involvement in various organizations. Yet, the role that filled her heart with the most joy was that of a mother.
In 1994, Mia joined her life with her best friend, William Thomas Geheren, in marriage. Their devotion to one another was mirrored in their shared commitment to raising four beautiful boys. Their firstborn, Michael, was a delightful surprise, but Mia, with her boundless capacity for love, was eager to expand their family. Together with Bill, she adopted three children with special needs, greeting both joys and challenges with grace and resilience. Even while contending with her own severe, chronic medical issues, Mia kept her unwavering focus on her family. Her love for her children—Michael, Tommy, Charlie, and Danny—was a testament to her extraordinary strength and selflessness.
Mia is survived by her husband William, children Michael, Thomas, and Daniel, mother Sharon Cacciabondo, brother Michael Cacciabondo, aunts Joann Richardson and Teri Tripp, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Charlie, and her father, Jack Cacciabondo.
As a devoted Catholic, Mia's faith was her guiding light, particularly during her grief following Charlie's passing. She held fast to the belief that Charlie, free from his wheelchair, would be waiting for her in heaven. We find solace knowing they have now been reunited.
Services for Mia will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Huntley, IL, on Friday, May 26, with a visitation beginning at 9 a.m. followed by Mass at 10 a.m. Mia will be laid to rest next to Charlie at Huntley Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the church. Instead of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to a GoFundMe campaign (https://www.gofundme.com/f/mia-geheren) to support funeral costs and medical bills, or to a charity in her honor.
In memory of Mia, let us strive to carry forward her legacy of positivity, strength, and selflessness. Her spirit continues to touch our hearts and will live on in the countless lives she impacted.
For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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Very sorry to hear of Mia's passing. Condolences to the entire family. May she rest in peace.
I met Mia at St. Mary's grief support group. she lovingly told us about her son Charlie. It was very beautiful and touched my heart. God Bless you Mia. My thought and prayers to you and your family.
I’m so sorry Bill to hear the sad news of Mia’s passing. Reading about her life I can see she was so caring and compassionate for others, indeed and angel here on earth. I’m sending my prayers to You and Your Boys…stay strong in your Faith, Family and Friends to get you through this difficult time. Sending my Prayers Rick - (Tilly)
Mia was a sweet lady. So sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.
Mia was a friend of our family since she and our children all went to Immaculate Conception School in Chicago. She was a loving person and I count myself fortunate to have known her. Her family was her love - she will forever be in the hearts of all. Good rest your soul, precious Mia, and may you be free of all your tribulations!
Mia was a virtuous woman just like the one in Proverbs 31, I have no doubt she is in heaven with Charlie and all the angels over there. I am a witness on how she loved her family, her sons and husband. She was an angel walking in this earth and she touched many lives in different ways. May her beautiful soul rest in the bosom of her maker whom she loved very much. My prayers and condolences to Bill, Michael, Tommy, Danny, her brother Michael and her mother Sharon. May she continue to live in your hearts and may all the beautiful memories of her last you through eternity. God bless you.
Sending deepest condolences and praying all Mia’s family & friends find peace knowing she is resting in Jesus’s loving arms.
So sorry for your loss! I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers.
Wish we could be there today for you. Please know our hugs, heart and prayers are with you today and every day forward.
My condolences on your loss of a wonderful woman. I was always impressed with her achievements. I went to Highschool with your Mom.