Veronica Bertucci

Veronica Bertucci, nee Picchietti, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 9, 2025, in Highwood, IL, just shy of her 102nd birthday. Born on March 22, 1923, in Ponte di Sant'Anna, Italy, to Sante and Clementina Picchietti, Veronica spent her early years on the family farm. As a young teenager, she moved to Florence to work as a live-in housekeeper. During WWII, her family home in Sant'Anna was occupied by German soldiers, and she often shared fascinating stories from that time. In 1949, Veronica married the love of her life, Umberto Bertucci, at Chiesa Parrocchia in Sant'Anna, Italy. Together, they welcomed their son, Sante (Sam) Luigi Bertucci, in 1950. In December 1954, seeking new opportunities and a better life, the family sailed to the United States aboard the SS Cristoforo Colombo, arriving in New York City. From there, they traveled by train to Chicago, where they stayed with Veronica’s brother, Dominic, and his wife, Elvira, before settling in Highwood in 1955. There, Umberto built their dream home. Veronica worked as a housekeeper, for a tailor, and used her culinary skills to make pasta for restaurants in Highwood. She was passionate about dancing and was a beloved member of the St. James choir. Veronica was preceded in death by her husband, Umberto, in 1968, and her beloved son, Sante (Sam), in 2009. Also preceding her in death are her brothers Domenico (Elvira) Picchietti, Pietro (Mary) Picchietti, Stefano (Belania) Picchietti, and her sister Rosina (Vittorio) Piacenza. Veronica is survived by her granddaughters, Samantha Bertucci of Burlington, WI and Stephanie (Cody) Simmons of Libertyville, IL, her great-grandchildren Braelynn Wawiorka, Sebastian and Marco Simmons, and her daughter-in-law, Robin Smith Bertucci of Grayslake, IL. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Veronica will be laid to rest alongside her husband and son at St. Mary's Cemetery in Highland Park. A memorial celebration of her life will be held in the summer of 2025, with details to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Highwood Historical Society www.highwoodhistoricalsociety.com. Arrangements by Burnett-Dane Funeral Home in Libertyville. For info: 847-362-3009 or share a memory at www.burnettdane.com.

Veronica Bertucci

March 22, 1923 - February 9, 2025