Maria Antonietta Lizalek

Maria Antonietta Lizalek (nee Mazzonetto) passed peacefully from this life with her family at her side on July 23, 2024. Maria was born in Campo San Martino, Padua, Italy on March 17, 1935 and lived through World War II. Maria moved to the United States in 1960 after her daughter Anna was born. She and her husband built their home in Cicero, IL and lived there until they retired. Maria kept busy raising her family and enjoyed spending time together with them whether it was fishing on Lake Michigan or camping in Ludington, MI. Maria worked as a masseuse for a time and spent several years managing two apartment buildings while raising her children. For many years, Maria babysat the children, Candace and Kira, of one of her tenants. Over the years, both Maria and Mike maintained a close relationship with Candace Mariottini, and eventually, her daughters, Brianna and Alexis, whom they considered family. Maria also found the time to volunteer at McNeal Hospital in Berwyn, IL. She loved animals of all kinds and over her lifetime, cared for many pet dogs and cats. 

Maria and her husband, Mike, retired to Redgranite, WI, where they built a new home in 1996. During her retirement years, she enjoyed cooking for her husband and family and tending to her vegetable garden. Right before every meal she would tell us, "bon appetit". She loved feeding the wild birds and deer that visited her yard and would even give them names. She also enjoyed caring for her many thriving houseplants. Maria's greatest joy, by far, came from the many times she spent with her grandsons as they grew up, from short visits to week-long vacations at her home throughout the year.

Maria spent the last few months of her life living at Heartland House in Wautoma, WI. Our family is eternally grateful to the staff for the compassionate love and care they provided, not only to her, but also to us when we needed it most. 

Maria is survived by her daughter, Anna Maria Lizalek, son, Jaroslav (Jerry) Lizalek, daughter-in-law, Janet, grandsons, Jason (Emily) and Justin (fiancée Lesley Arant), and 11 week old great granddaughter, Cecilia Marie Lizalek. Survivors in Italy include her niece, Francesca (Carlo - deceased) Callegaro, nephew Francesco (Tiziana) Mazzonetto, and numerous great nieces and nephews.She is preceded in death by her parents, Francesco and Caterina (nee Pesavento) Mazzonetto, her beloved husband Milan (Mike), sister Anna Maria Mazzonetto, and brothers Luigi (Lidia) and Mariano (Luciana) Mazzonetto.

While we will miss her dearly, we can imagine Maria saying, as she did so often, "Que sera, sera". Arrivederci alla nostra amata mamma e nonna. Risposa in pace.

The cremains of both Maria and her husband Mike will be interred at the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Waupaca, WI at a later date.