With heavy heart, we announce the passing of Maria Teresa “Sina” Chilelli, who left us peacefully on October 18, 2024. Born on June 30, 1934, Sina lived a life full of love, kindness, and dedication to her family and friends.

Sina is survived by her three beloved daughters, who were the light of her life, their husbands and her grandson. She also leaves three sisters and a brother.

Her warmth and generosity impacted many lives, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her legacy of love and compassion will continue to inspire those fortunate enough to have known her.

Sina grew up in Roccella Ionica, a little village in southern Italy. Where she learned to cook, garden and grow to love music. She also held families in high regard. Family was most precious. She had a fulfilled childhood with a family of six siblings.

As she aged, she had some admirers in her town. But one day, a suitor from out of town came into town strictly for her, Armando Chilelli, and her whole world changed.

They married in 1953, then in 1954, she was off to America, a twenty-year old newlywed with No English, no family, and no money, traveling alone, on the Andrea Doria, a giant cruise liner speeding across the Atlantic Ocean.

Sina manages to make it to New York, where her new husband, Armando, is waiting for her. She says to him, “I am not living here.” So, the search for a place to live is in her hands. Sina contacts her family. Her mother’s brother is in Seattle, Washington. Next, Sina is on the Olympic Peninsula, living in a small log cabin, starting her new life.

It was a complete change from the village in Italy. As she did not know the language, when she went shopping, she would hold her hand with the money, the clerks were friendly enough to show her how much things were. She was quickly taught many things during her first year on the Peninsula. She was strong and persevered.

That was the introduction to the United States. And then she blossomed.

First, she learned English—to speak, read and write it. Then, she learned to drive. By 1958, she was an American citizen.

In the early 1960’s, Armando and Sina bought some land in Alderwood Manor, built a home and settled their family of three little girls, and stayed for over 40 years. Sina became a devoted wife and mother. She cultivated a vast garden, from which she canned and frozen vegetables and fruits for our family meals. She landscaped the yard of our home like a Master Gardener. There was always music in her life. It filled the air.

She had many friends, and many came to her with their problems. She was a good listener, gave direct advice, and engaged warmly with others.

She joined a few clubs, like The Italian Society. A few of her friends were very close; her support group was a testament to her positive, loving spirit.

She traveled all over with her beloved husband, Armando. They were very close and had a unique connection for 67 years. Both were very family-focused, and family always came first.

Together, Armando and Sina worked diligently, building a successful construction business, to create a fulfilling life for their children through dedication and perseverance.

Sina was an excellent caretaker. When someone was ill, she would be at their bedside. She was a nurse without credentials, and everyone was touched by her love and support.

For little over 90 years, Sina found joy in singing, tending to her magical garden, cooking passionately, shopping with interest, sharing joy with others and cherishing every moment with her Family.

Now, may she rest in peace.

We love you, Mamma.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association in Sina's (Maria Teresa's) memory.

The story of Armando ~

Armando Chilelli, 91, died on February 21st, 2021, at his home in Edmonds with his family by his side.  He was born April 16th, 1929, in Brooklyn, New York.

Armando grew up in Italy, in a town called Paola. This is where he fell in love with his forever love. By one look at a picture set upon a wall. He set his sights on Maria Teresa  DePaola (Sina); they married on August 28th, 1953. They celebrated 67 years of marriage.

Armando and his bride moved from Italy to Alderwood Manor, Washington. They settled and lived in Lynnwood for 40 plus years, then the last twenty years in Edmonds.

When moving to Washington, Sina had relatives to support the young couple's starts. Armando built roads up on the Olympic Peninsula. Learning to handle large road equipment and machinery. He loved moving big piles of dirt. After a while, Armando decided it was time for him to start his own business.

He exhibited all the traits of an entrepreneur. He started a General Contracting business, A.C Builders Homes, Inc., that spanned more than fifty years of successful outcomes. He was involved in owning a Quarry and Cabinet Shop.

Armando was a creative thinker and often invented things to make life easier to deal with, and everyone that knows him has been exposed to his inventions.

Armando loved to golf. He was exceptional at it. He did bowl as well and was incredibly good at that, too. Armando was a watercolor painter. He took college entry classes to become skilled at his work. Many an art shows displayed his art.

He was a Master Gardener--- growing many types of vegetables and plants. He was so giving with his bounty. People that knew him were never short of vegetables for their meals.

Armando was an advocate for issues and people in the political arena. Always doing what was good for the community.

There is so much more to add for Armando because he was a larger-than-life figure; everyone he came into contact with left a bit better off.

He is survived by his wife Maria Teresa (Sina), and his daughters, Luana Chilelli (her partner Marty Krueger), Teresa Chilelli-White (her husband Bruce White), Donna Chilelli, and grandson Johnathan White. 

A private service will be held Tuesday, March  2nd, 2021.  There will be a memorial in the late spring or early summer to celebrate his remarkable life.

Donations can be made in his name to The American Chronic Pain Association (theacpa.org).