Helen Tenuta

Helen Tenuta passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, while surrounded by her loving family at the age of 63. Devoted Mother of Rachel (Ryan) Lynn, Michael and Sophia. Loving Partner of Mark Marotta. Loving Daughter of the late Louis and the late Mara nee Citrigno, Tenuta. Fond Grandmother of Lucy and Max. Dear Sister of Louis, Jr. (Vicky) and Sammy (Sharon) Tenuta. Loving Niece to many. Dear Cousin, Great-Cousin and Great-Great Cousin to many. Dear Friend to all.

Helen lived her life with a generous heart, an unforgettable presence, and a deep love for her family, friends, and animals. Whether she was cooking a meal for someone she loved, baking Christmas cookies, dancing to one of her favorite songs, taking just one more picture, or sharing stories, she found joy in bringing people together and making those around her feel loved.
Proud of her Chicago roots and her Italian heritage, Helen expressed her love in countless ways, but perhaps none more than through her cooking. She loved preparing meals, baking for family and friends, and bringing food to every celebration. Christmas was her favorite time of year, filled with homemade cookies, Hallmark movies, and the simple joy of having everyone together.
Her love for animals, especially dogs and horses, was a defining part of who she was. She loved her dogs throughout the years and was always the first to give any dog a little extra love. Horses held a special place in her heart, and anyone who knew her knew just how much they meant to her. Her love for animals even extended to a goat and a duck along the way because life with Helen was never quite ordinary.
Whether she was listening to Phil Collins, Jersey Boys, Michael Bublé, or enjoying a night out at the Arcada, music brought her happiness. She loved to sing, dance, and make memories with the people she cared about. She loved taking pictures and rarely let a special moment pass without capturing it, leaving behind countless photographs that will be treasured for years to come.
Helen had a gift for making friends wherever she went. She was funny, kind, full of stories, and left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She generously volunteered her time, always willing to lend a helping hand and be part of something meaningful.
Above all else, she loved her family with her whole heart. She especially cherished her grandchildren and treasured every opportunity to make them feel loved and create memories they will carry with them forever. While each member of her family shared a unique relationship with her, there was never any doubt how deeply she loved them.
Her love, generosity, laughter, and the joy she brought to others will live on through the family she cherished, the friends whose lives she touched, the stories that will continue to be told, the recipes shared around the table, the photographs that preserve life's most precious moments, and the many memories that will forever keep her close to our hearts. Though she will be deeply missed, her love will remain with us always.

Family and Friends are to gather for a Visitation on Friday, July 24,2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Russo’s Hillside Chapels, 4500 Roosevelt Road, Hillside, Illinois 60162 (Located between Mannheim and Wolf Road). Funeral and Interment will remain private. For additional information call (708) 449-5300. Please share a remembrance or condolence on Helen’s tribute wall/guestbook found on the tab above.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Helen Tenuta, please visit our floral store.