Mariellen C CUNNINGHAM

7 MAY 1921 - 28 MAR 2021

• BIRTH: 7 MAY 1921, Chicago, Cook, IL
• DEATH: 28 MAR 2021, South Bend, St Joseph, IN

• MARRIAGE: 4 NOV 1944

INDEX

[N28235] Mariellen C Sabato
nee Cunningham
1921 - 2021

MARIELLEN C. SABATO, 99, died peacefully at home surrounded by family, in South Bend, IN, on March 28, 2021. Mariellen was born on May 7, 1921, in Chicago, IL, the oldest daughter of Edward and Alice (Cronin) Cunningham. She and her three sisters, Monica, Alice, and Margaret grew up in Wilmette, IL. Living close to Lake Michigan fueled her love of sailing and swimming. She attended St. Francis Xavier Grade School in Wilmette and St. Scholastica High School in Chicago, pursuing her BA at Mount St Scholastica College in Atchison KS. It was there she met the love of her life, Anthony (Tony) Sabato (dec 2001). Mariellen and Tony were married on November 4, 1944 and traveled with the Army Air Corps to Arizona and Florida with Tony’s military assignments. She worked as a photographer for the Chicago Sun-Times and completed her degree at Mundelein College, Chicago. Tony and Mariellen moved to Deerfield, IL, where they raised their family: Joanne (Thomas) Frankenfield, Francis (Melinda) Sabato, David (Mitzi) Sabato, Toni (Rick) Hover, Rita (Thomas) Roberts, Monica Roche, Daniel (Margaret) Sabato and Edward (Elizabeth) Sabato. Mariellen is survived by 17 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren whom she loved fiercely and who loved her dearly. Mariellen was a consummate planner of epic family camping adventures and an avid Girl Scout. She was an ardent advocate for civil rights and open housing. Working with the National Conference for Community and Justice and the Deerfield Citizens for Human Rights was her passion. She was an active member of Holy Cross Catholic Church, Deerfield, IL. Mariellen was elected to the Lake County Board in the early 1970s. As Forest Preserve Committee member, she was instrumental in increasing forest preserve acreage specifically along the Des Plaines River Trail. Mariellen completed a Master’s degree in Public Administration at Northern Illinois University in 1982. She worked for the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) retraining displaced workers. Tony and Mariellen retired to Longboat Key, Florida. She continued a daily swim at Spanish Main Yacht Club until her very last years. She enjoyed her neighbors, church, volunteering, and remained politically active. She loved to travel and visited Greece, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and Europe in addition to adventures throughout the United States. She cherished family reunions with her sisters and their families. Funeral arrangements are planned for a later date with burial at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Heifer International. https://www.heifer.org/give/one-time.html. Palmer Funeral Home - Guisinger Chapel, 3718 South Michigan Street, South Bend, IN 46614 is assisting the family with all arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com