Elaine Jean (Milano) Isenhart
January 8, 1934–September 13, 2024
Elaine’s life can be summed up in one word - love. Her journey began with her parents, Carmen and Rose Milano, who made sure their daughters Carmeen and Elaine grew up in a house filled with much love and good food (which really are the same thing, when you think about it). She grew up first in Chicago, surrounded by grandparents and cousins. Her family then moved to the suburbs of North Lake and Elmwood Park. It was at East Leyden High School she met the love of her life, Richard Isenhart. Elaine and Rich were married in 1955 and shared 47 happy years together. Elaine and Rich had three children (Renee, Richie, and Roseann) and ensured their children grew up in a loving and joyful home.
After their children grew and left home confident in their ability to share love, Elaine returned to work, mostly so she could shower her grandchildren with love and gifts (again, which really were the same thing for Elaine). As great-grandchildren arrived, the love multiplied tenfold. In February, Elaine moved into Arden Rose Senior Living and thrived under their loving care for the final months of her life.
After suffering a stroke earlier this week, her last act on earth was to stay with us just long enough to bring her loved ones together - for two days we sat by her side, shared stories of her love, and helped carry one another’s grief, knowing we were losing the one who had loved us so well for 90 years. It is so hard for us to imagine our holiday gatherings, birthdays…without her, but we pledge to carry on her legacy of love.
Elaine is survived by her children Renee (Wayne), Richie, and Roseann (Phil); her grandchildren Lindsay (Alan), Jeff (Alex), Emily, Allison, Sarah (Chris) and Elaina; her great-grandchildren Ellie, Sam, Natalie, Liam, Kylie, Taylor, Tristan, Griffin, Henry, and Torin; her big sister Carmeen, as well as nephews Frankie, Carmen and Lewis, nieces Tammy and Janel, and DiLallo cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents, Carmen & Rose, and her husband Rich.
Visitation will be on Saturday, September 21, 2024 from 9-10am with a Mass at 10am all at St. Mary Catholic Church-10307 Dundee Road, Huntley. The burial will be at St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery in Palatine.
In lieu of flowers, you are encouraged to make a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in honor of Elaine’s life, a charity which was dear to her heart.
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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Roseanne, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. What a beautiful love story of her life. I am sure your family will feel the loss of her physical presence, but what a lovely legacy she left. My prayers and condolences are with you all. Therese
Renee, Rich and Roseann we are very sorry for your loss. We all loved Elaine and how welcoming she was to friends in the house. I know she will be missed.
Renee, Rich and Roseann we are very sorry for your loss. We all loved Elaine and how welcoming she was to friends in the house. I know she will be missed.
Renee, Rich and Roseann we are very sorry for your loss. We all loved Elaine and how welcoming she was to friends in the house. I know she will be missed.
Renee, Rich and Roseann we are very sorry for your loss. We all loved Elaine and how welcoming she was to friends in the house. I know she will be missed.
Renee, Rich and Roseann we are very sorry for your loss. We all loved Elaine and how welcoming she was to friends in the house. I know she will be missed.
Renee, Rich and Roseann we are very sorry for your loss. We all loved Elaine and how welcoming she was to friends in the house. I know she will be missed.