Mary Monica Rizzo (known by most as "Mona") of Lena, IL passed away on February 21, 2022, in Freeport, IL. She was born February 3, 1930, to Leo and Julia (Novak) Dwyer in Hinsdale, IL and was a life-long Illinois resident. She attended high school at Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park. In order to attend, she worked various part-time jobs to raise the funds for her tuition. Mona was an aspiring commercial artist and studied at the American Academy of Art in Chicago. She had excellent secretarial skills and worked at an insurance agency and other firms in downtown Chicago. She met the love of her life, Salvatore J. Rizzo, while skating at a roller rink. They married on October 8, 1955, at St. Frances Xavier Catholic Church in La Grange, and started their family in the Village of Downers Grove.

Mona enjoyed camping with Sal and the family which led them to eventually discover Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park, prompting the couple to relocate to Lena after Sal's retirement. She liked travel and visited Arizona, California, Washington State, other locations in the US, and Italy. She was enthused about greeting cards, birds, following her favorite pro sports teams, sharing recipes, collecting cookbooks, and celebrating the holidays, especially Christmas. Other interests included sewing, ceramics, and attending local high school plays with her girlfriends. Mona regularly participated in a Lena Tuesday night art class where she socialized while expressing her artistic talents. She loved being in touch with good friends and relatives. Mona practiced her unshakeable Christian faith, recited a daily rosary, and was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. As a dedicated wife and mother, she made a comfortable, nurturing home, and encouraged her family to work hard and pursue their dreams.

Mona is survived by 4 children: Tracy Rizzo of Chicago, IL; Sandra (John Diamond) Rizzo of Mesa, AZ; Mary (Mauro Rutili) Rizzo of San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy; and Gregory (Andrea) Rizzo of Evergreen Park, IL, and 6 grandchildren: Paul Diamond; Monica (Manius Waterman) Rizzo; Philip Rizzo; Christopher Rizzo; Anna Rizzo; and Miriam Rutili. She has one surviving sister, Rogene Rosinski. She is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Mona is preceded in death by: her parents; husband Salvatore (2003); brother Lloyd Brian Dwyer; sister Marguerite Westendorf; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Visitation will be held at Leamon Funeral Home, Lena Illinois, on Monday, February 28, 2022 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., followed by a Catholic funeral Mass, 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lena, IL. Officiating will be Father Michael Morrisey. Mona also will be celebrated later that day at a chapel service at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside, IL, where she is to be interred near her husband and parents.

A memorial has been established in her name.