Catherine Rose D'Annunzio

D'ANNUNZIO, Catherine (nee Cicilini). June 5, 2026. Age 95. Catherine passed away peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her family, with her daughter Ann Marie by her side, holding her hand the entire time and keeping with her wishes. Beloved wife of the late Augie. Proud and loving mother of John (Stephanie), Tony (Sharri) and Ann Marie. Adored grandmother of Nikolis (Elizabeth), Alec, Victoria, Zackary, Isabella Rose D'Annunzio-O-Brien and Gabriel August D'Annunzio-O'Brien. Cherished great-grandmother of Nora, Mia and Elianna. Dear sister of Benny (Betty) Cicillini, Frank (Linda) Cicillini and the late Tina (Bill) Lins. Predeceased by her parents Tony and Vittoria Cicillini. Survived by many nieces, nephews and dear friends. With profound sadness, and enduring love, we celebrate the remarkable life of Catherine Rose D'Annunzio (née Cicillini)—a woman of grace, quiet strength, and boundless love, whose presence brought light and warmth to all who knew her. Catherine’s story began in the historic town of Pontecorvo, Italy, where she was welcomed into the world as the cherished first child and beloved daughter of Anthony and Vittoria Cicillini—una figlia amata, deeply loved from the very beginning. From her earliest days, she was the heart of her family, carrying forward their hopes, traditions, and deep-rooted love. As the eldest, she shared a lifelong bond with her siblings—Ben, Christina (Tina), and Frank—grounded in loyalty, laughter, and enduring devotion. One of the defining chapters of Catherine’s life began when she boarded the great Italian ocean liner SS Rex, crossing the Atlantic toward a new world filled with promise. With courage in her heart and determination in her spirit, she stepped onto American soil ready to shape her own destiny. She embraced her new life with remarkable resolve—mastering a new language, adapting to a new culture, and rising beyond the expectations of her time. Her natural elegance and love of style reflected a woman who carried herself with quiet confidence and grace. At St. Anthony High School in Detroit, her intelligence and creativity flourished. As editor of the school newspaper, she found her voice and formed friendships that would remain close to her heart for a lifetime. Catherine’s sharp mind and independent spirit led her to a successful career at the National Bank of Detroit, where she thrived with poise and professionalism. Beyond her accomplishments, she embraced life with joy and curiosity. She traveled the world with dear friends, creating memories filled with laughter, adventure, and discovery—from Europe to cities across the United States. She lived fully… and she lived well. Catherine and August’s story was one of fate and deep-rooted connection—their families lived across the street from one another, and from those early days grew a bond that would last a lifetime. After a devoted ten-year courtship, the couple became engaged and were married on May 2, 1964, at St. Veronica Catholic Church in East Detroit—beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in love, faith, and devotion. Together, they created a home filled with warmth, comfort, and belonging—a home that reflected Catherine herself. They loved being surrounded by great friends and family, where gatherings were filled with delicious food, Italian music, and joyful dancing—moments that became treasured memories for all who shared them. There, they raised their children—John, Tony, and Ann Marie—surrounding them with love, guidance, and quiet strength. She was a devoted mother, a steady presence, and a guiding light—leading not only with words, but with example. Catherine moved through life with gentle strength and quiet elegance that left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She was a voracious reader, finding inspiration and solace in books—un amore per la vita semplice—a love for life’s simple and meaningful pleasures. She expressed her love in the most tangible ways—through her cooking and baking. Her famous, highly sought-after pizzelles became a cherished tradition among family and friends—eagerly anticipated, lovingly shared, and never forgotten. In every moment, she showed kindness, patience, and grace. To know her was to feel truly loved. Though Catherine has left our sight, her spirit remains—woven into the lives she touched and the love she gave so freely. She will forever be remembered as a devoted daughter, a loving sister, a cherished wife, and a deeply dedicated mother to John, Tony, and Ann Marie. She was a proud and loving grandmother to; Nik and Alec D’Annunzio; Victoria and Zach D’Annunzio; and Gabriel August and Isabella Rose D’Annunzio-O’Brien. Her love lives on through her great-grandchildren— Nora, Mia, and Elianna—who carry forward her light and her legacy. Her life was a gift—a gift of love, strength, beauty, and grace. And that gift will live on in all who knew her. Though we grieve her passing, we are forever grateful for the blessing of her life. May Catherine Rose rest in eternal peace, held in the same grace and beauty she brought into this world. Visitation Monday 3:00pm to 8:00pm with a 7:00pm Rosary at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, Inc. 36900 Schoenherr at Metro Parkway (16 Mile). Instate Tuesday, July 16th from 9:30am until time of the Mass at 10am at St. Anastasia Roman Catholic Church, 4571 John R Rd, Troy, MI 48085. Interment at White Chapel Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Anastasia Roman Catholic Church. Please share memories with the family at their "On-Line Guestbook" at WujekCalcaterra.com

Catherine Rose D'Annunzio

April 25, 1931 - June 5, 2026