Catherina Chilla

Catherina Chilla, 83 of Downingtown passed away on Wednesday, September 25, 2019, at the University of Penn Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

She was the beloved wife of Santo Chilla, with whom she shared 66 years of marriage.

Born in Sicily, Italy in the Province of Messina, she was the daughter of the late Francesco and Josephine Pavone Filoromo. Catherina came to this country in 1953 and for the last 65 years resided in Downingtown with her husband Santo, where all who knew her were blessed with her beautiful smile and generous personality.

Catherina is the sweetest, most generous, kindest person and we were so fortunate to have her in our lives.  God truly blessed our family with a Wife, Mother and Grandmother that always put us first before herself.  She made each one of us feel so special and loved.  She showed her love in so many ways, too numerous to mention. She was the heart and soul of her family and loved spending time with everyone and sharing her one of a kind Italian feasts and pastries. Some of her favorite times were hosting all the family holidays and Christmas Eve was one ofher happiest times to share with family and friends.  It is well known she had a PHD in cooking and a Masters in baking.  

In addition to her husband Santo, Catherina is survived by her children Joanne Phillips (Robert), Nicholas Chilla, Josephine Reynolds (Craig), Francesco Chilla (Margaret), Catherine Lark (Brian). Their grandchildren; Robert and Brian Phillips; Nicole, Tina, Nicholas, Faith, Tony and Katrina Chilla; Jessica Bristow, Ashley Nileski, Matthew Reynolds; Michael, Christopher, Danny, Jennifer and Joshua Chilla; Vincent and Kyle Lark.  Her great grandchildren; Kyle, Catherina, Robert, Bailey Phillips; Gabriella and Nicholas Chilla; Madisyn, Riley and Morgan Bristow; Austin and Alexis Nileski; Sofia Reynolds; Dario, Amara, Jack and Francesca Chilla. Siblings, Tina DiFrancesco and Pasquale Filoromo as well as many loved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Samuel Filoromo.

An evening visitation will be held from 6 to 8 pm on Wednesday, October 2nd at the James J. Terry Funeral Home, 736 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown.

A morning visitation will be held from 10 – 10:45 am on Thursday, October 3rd at St. Joseph Church, 332 Manor Ave., Downingtown, where her Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 am.  Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Downingtown.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Catherina’s name can be made to the American Stroke Foundation, https://americanstroke.org/

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