Mary Rita Miceli

Mary Rita Cerceo Miceli, age 77, a longtime resident of the Minocqua area, was called to eternal life onSaturday, June 27, 2020, at Seasons of Life Hospice after a long and heroic battle with breast cancer. Mary was born in Franklin Park, Ill., on February 15, 1943, to Alfred and Rita Cerceo. After graduating from East Leyden High School, she married Jerome (Jim) Miceli and had three children, Jerome (Jerry) Miceli, Rose Miceli, and Eric Miceli. The family-owned and operated Pawnee Motor Service and in the 1970s, moved to Minocqua, where Mary became a mother to so many, in so many ways. A pillar of loving advice, Mary was the one everyone went to when they were looking for direction, a different perspective, or just a shoulder to cry on in a time of need.

Mary was best known as a fabulous cook, with culinary creations that rivaled anything found in the most famous Italian restaurants. She was also a tireless caregiver with determination in everything she did. When faced with adversity, all Mary would need is a phone book and a phone, and she could coordinate an army. She enjoyed her many friends and family, the beauty of nature and was an avid horticulturist. Lake Minocqua was her favorite place to be, second only to a stable of horses, as she was a horsewoman by heart.

Anyone who knew Mary remember her for her impromptu gatherings and open-door policy at her Minocqua Lake home. These events brought together friends, family, new acquaintances, as well as those who were just passing by to rejoice in each other’s company, enjoy good food, and have loads of fun and laughs.When you were at Mary’s house, you were family.
After her marriage ended, Mary met Mark Cameron and opened her own cleaning business called Pink High Tops. Mark and Mary were life partners for over 30 years before his passing on February 26, 2019.

She was preceded in death by her life partner Mark Cameron, and her parents Alfred and Rita. She is survived by her brother: Michael Cerceo of Lincoln Hills, Illinois; her three children, Jerome (Jerry) Miceli of Luxemburg, WI, Rose Miceli of Crystal Lake, Illinois, and Eric Miceli of Minocqua; as well as five grandchildren, Cameron McClure, Isabella Adorjan, Gabriella Adorjan, Amanda Miceli, and Private First Class E3 Alison Miceli (National Guard.)

A gathering for Mary will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2020, beginning at noon with services at 1pm at Nimsgern Funeral Home, 1025 Margaret Street, Woodruff. Interment will take place in Fairview Memorial Park in Northlake, Illinois, in the spring of 2021.


Any Memorials for Mary can be directed to The Howard Young Foundation’s Autism Services Fund which directly helps children and young adults with Autism in the Lakeland area.

Online condolences may be shared at nimsgernfuneral.com

NIMSGERN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES IS SERVING THE FAMILY.