Joelle DeMaria-Ilacqua Obituary

Joelle DeMaria-Ilacqua, born November 14, 1968, in Cleveland, Ohio, passed away on August 22, 2025. She was a longtime resident of Mentor, Ohio.

With shattered hearts, our family announces the passing of our beloved Joelle who went home to Heaven on August 22, 2025, after a courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer.

Joelle was born on November 14, 1968, to the late Salvatore (Sam) and Sharon DeMaria (nee Lebold). On August 11, 2000, she married the love of her life, Charles "Chuck" Ilacqua, but their love story began long before that. Together for 36 years, Joelle and Chuck were not only husband and wife but truly best friends who stood side by side through every joy and every hardship.

Her greatest pride and joy were her children: Chelsea (Bryan) Christopher (Julia), and Angela. Joelle was also blessed with grandchildren who were the light of her life-Charlee, Beau, Brantley, and Sophia. And great Nieces and Nephews whom she adored- Salvatore, Lucio, Hazel, Amelia, Michelina, Lilly and Ivy. She poured her whole heart into all of them, and they brought her immeasurable happiness.

Joelle is preceded in death by her precious daughter Angel Marie Ilacqua, her brother Salvatore "Sambo" DeMaria, and her parents. She is survived by her loving brothers Angelo "Gus" DeMaria and Frank DeMaria. Beyond her immediate family, Joelle had countless nieces and nephews who adored her and whom she helped raise as if they were her very own. To them, she was not just an aunt, but the most loving and devoted "Auntie Jo" in the world.

Her family and friends are devastated by this loss, as Joelle was truly one of a kind-generous, thoughtful, selfless, and always present. She had an unmatched ability to make every single person feel loved, important, and like they belonged. Joelle welcomed everyone-family, friends, and even strangers-with open arms and a full heart. To know her was to be deeply loved by her. She was indeed an angel who walked this earth.

Joelle's happiest times were those spent surrounded by her family, especially her grandchildren. She also loved visiting the wineries in Geneva-on-the-Lake, shopping trips, vacations in Hilton Head, camping, and making memories with her loved ones at her property in Austinburg. Wherever she went, she brought laughter, warmth, and joy.

It is impossible to capture the depth of love Joelle gave and the enormity of the loss we now feel. Her legacy is one of unwavering love, boundless generosity, and a heart that never stopped giving. Though her time here was far too short, she leaves behind a family and a community forever changed by her presence.

Joelle fought with unimaginable courage until the very end, and though cancer may have taken her earthly body, it never dimmed her spirit. We will hold her in our hearts forever.

This is not goodbye-it is only see you later. We love you to the moon JoJo.

In honor of Joelle's life, the family will receive friends Thursday, August 28 from 3:00 – 7:00 PM at the McMahon-Coyne-Vitantonio Funeral Home, 38001 Euclid Ave., Willoughby.

The Funeral Mass is Friday, August 29 at 10:00 AM at Immaculate Conception Church, 37932 Euclid Ave., Willoughby, OH. Burial to follow at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon, OH.