Wanda Mae (Murphy) Cacciatore, 92, of Byron, Illinois died peacefully at home surrounded by her children. Her life was lived in service of her faith, family and friends.

She was born in Wichita, Kansas to Beulah Marie and Joel Murphy. As a child, Wanda was also wrapped in love by her beloved grandmother Nina. An extremely bright student, Wanda developed an early love of reading she carried throughout her life which she passed on to her children and grandchildren. Wanda regularly shared fun memories of her youth including trips to the movie theater, going to dances with her friends and an early career working at the Boeing factory in Wichita.

A 62 year long love affair had its beginning when Wanda met and married Pete Cacciatore when he was serving in the Air Force at McConnell AFB in Kansas. Together, Wanda and Pete welcomed four beautiful children in quick succession, establishing a family foundation rich in tradition and love.

Following Pete’s service in Korea, the family settled in Byron where Pete joined his father and his uncles in the grocery business and opened the first Cacciatore’s grocery store. Pete and Wanda bought out their partners before building Cacciatore Byron Food Mart on Highway 2. It was Wanda’s creative vision that saw Cacciatore’s growth and innovation over the years including, the Video Booth P&W’s Wash House and Murphy’s Deli. Together, Pete and Wanda ensured that Cacciatore’s embodied a commitment to hard work, their employees and the community. Wanda worked as a secretary at Lorado Taft Field Campus located in Lowden State Park Oregon IL. She also founded the Lorado Taft Outdoor Education Library from which she retired in 1975.

From sewing countless dresses and outfits – for field trips to weddings, baptisms and first communions, Wanda was an excellent seamstress and literally stitched every piece for these special life moments in love. Wanda was a gifted quilter who passed along the tradition and loved sharing the experience with her family and friends near and far.

Wanda was an active member of the St. Mary Catholic Church community. Wanda got her start in community volunteerism as a Den Mother for Pete Jr’s Boy Scout troop and it took off from there! For decades, Wanda was an ever present, active member of the Byron Women’s Club (past President), ByronFest (co-founder), Village of Progress Foundation Board of Directors for many years, Hospice Serenity House Ambassador, Rockford Symphony, New America Theatre, Rockford Arts Council, Catholic Women’s League and Byron American Legion Auxiliary. Wanda was recognized in numerous ways for her community service, including being named Catholic Woman of the Year by the Rockford Diocese in 2005. Her many joys and accomplishments included founding and sponsoring the ByronFest Quilt Show, now named in her honor.

Wanda was a major presence and leader for many years with the Angel Ball and Pink Ball events, raising funds for essential community services.

While Wanda helped set the stage for some of the most glamorous community events and gatherings, she truly enjoyed long summer days spent alongside the family pool – overflowing with her grandchildren, laughter and stories – and something delicious on the grill. She and Pete had many travels throughout the world and loved spending time at Seaplace on LBK.

She is survived by her son, Peter Stephen Cacciatore, Byron; daughters, Cynthia (late John) Kennay, Ashton, Illinois; Sharon (Terry) Tamanauskas, Lakewood Ranch, Florida; Kathryn (Jeff) Feste, Byron; grandchildren, Amy (Jason) Wombacher, Byron; Robert (Brittany Weber) Haye III, Madison, Wisconsin; Shary Hahn, Solon, Iowa; Katy (Shelly) Hunter, Fredricksburg, Virginia; Beth (Adam) McCostlin, Evanston, Illinois; Peter A. Cacciatore, Byron; Jeffrey H. (Taylor) Feste, Nashville, Tennessee; Isaac Lowden, Neenah, Wisconsin; Jordan (Elizabeth) Feste, Geneva, Illinois. Great grandchildren Matthew Hunter, Ryann and Kathryn Wombacher; Robert James (R.J.) and Audrianna Haye; Lyla, Hunter and Landry Peter Hahn; Vincent, William and Thomas Hunter; William Ignatius and Merideth McCostlin; Theo Ignatius and Shepherd Feste; Olivia and Eloise Mae Feste.

Wanda was predeceased by her husband and best friend of 62 years, Peter Ignatius, and their beloved Cairn Terriers, most recently “TJ”.

Wanda’s family would like to send their love and thanks to her Caregivers who became dear friends – Janet, Tina, Kris, Amanda, Jen, Dawn; and Sheila and Amber and the Serenity Hospice Care team.

Christian funeral mass will be held Wednesday, February 4 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Mary Catholic Church, 226 East 2nd St., Byron with Father Romeo Pavino celebrating. Visitation will be held Tuesday, February 3 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm also at St. Mary’s with the rosary recited at 6:30 p.m.

Memorials may be made in her name to Serenity Hospice & Home, Village of Progress and Byron Women’s Club.