Virginia Carmela Gigliette

Virginia Carmela (Babe) Gigliette Age 87. Passed away Sunday, October 30, 2022, in Joliet, IL after a courageous battle with kidney failure. Born in Joliet, the youngest child of the late Joseph and Maria (nee Mancuso) Gigliette.

Virginia graduated from Joliet Township High school, received her Bachelor of Education at Lewis University, and her Master’s Degree at Northern Illinois University. Virginia was employed by Joliet Grade School District 86 as a primary teacher for many grade schools in Joliet. She was known as “Miss Gigliette” and was beloved and remembered fondly by her many students. She retired from teaching in 1993 and made a lifelong impression on her students. As they aged, and many years went by, they still would greet her with big smiles!

Virginia was active in many Joliet Women's sports leagues. Such as bowling teams, softball leagues, and basketball. Virginia was one of the first female softball coaches in the Will County area. She was a team player who performed all sports passionately, she took great pleasure in winning "the game". She enthusiastically loved to watch basketball, all men's and women's teams. She was a member of many local clubs and enjoyed them all. She was a lifelong member of St. Anthony's Church in downtown Joliet.

Virginia had a joy for life and enjoyed conversations with others. She was fond of her Chihuahua dogs. She enjoyed playing bingo and gambling at the Casinos where she mostly enjoyed talking to everyone. She would meet old friends and new friends and enjoyed all of them. Being a devoted Catholic, she often told them about Jesus Christ and gave them Christian medals. It was her ministry.

Preceded in death by her family, three brothers, Victor (Pete) Gigliette, Santo Gigliette, Joseph Giglietti, and Samuel (in infancy), and her sisters Eleanor Baitinger, Rose (in infancy), Josephine Beebe, Rose Auten, Francis Plunge, Mary Ann Betts, and Margret Wilhelmi.

She is survived by numerous nieces, great-nieces, nephews, great-nephews, and cousins. She was the proud Godmother to Teresa (Terri) King, Christopher Wilhelmi, Joanne Cain, and Anthony J. King, Jr. Aunt Babe made a big impression on many people and in many lives. She had an unforgettable smile, and laugh, was always helpful, dispensed wisdom, and was tenacious and very generous. She loved her family most of all. For her family, she was a caregiver to many, especially her brother Sonny. Our Aunt Babe will be missed greatly. To quote Aunt Babe's favorite saying "and that's the scoop"!

We want to thank Alden Estates of Shorewood, especially her caretakers Leonard and Lupe. We also appreciated Lightways Hospice Joliet for their care.

Virginia was a supporter of several local charities. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Little Lights Hospice in Joliet or NAMI Will-Grundy.

Celebration of life for Virginia Gigliette will be 8 am – 10 am, Saturday, November 19, 2022, at Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home. A short service will be held at 10 am after visitation.  Private interment at St. Patrick’s Cemetery.