Nelly Paz, age 93, of Pingree Grove, IL, passed away on January 21, 2026. She was born October 30, 1932 in Lima, Peru to her loving parents, Teofilo Paz and Julia Del Carpio.

Nelly, lovingly known as “Sita,” grew up in a large family of twelve brothers and sisters. She spent part of her childhood in Arequipa, known as the Ciudad Blanca, famous for its immense beauty and high altitude. It was there that she discovered her deep love of life, creating everlasting memories with her brothers and sisters while developing both mental and physical fortitude.

Sita loved swimming in rivers with strong currents, playing volleyball, running track, marching in her school’s band, and getting into trouble by sneaking delicious fruit from neighbors’ tall trees! She was also academically focused, graduating high school at the top of her class. Sita never forgot her youth and would always talk about visiting the Palacio de Justicia, the Basilica Cathedral, and the Misti Volcano.

In her young adult years, Sita began working in a laboratory as a technician, learning how to analyze blood. Realizing that was not her calling, she soon discovered her true passion as a fashion designer. She went on to have her own business, using her creativity to design clothing and patterns during a time when garments were crafted entirely by hand. Her work reflected her dedication, discipline, and artistic eye. In her later years, Sita redirected that same attention to detail and creativity into building impressive Christmas village decoration sets that became a cherished family tradition.

Her proudest achievement was being a loving and devoted mother to her two children and grandchild. In order to provide a better life for her children, she made the courageous decision to immigrate to the United States as a single mother, working tirelessly in a new country to provide for them. Food was one of the many ways she expressed love. She was an incredible cook and baker, making delicious plates such as Lomo Saltado, spaghetti (Grandson’s favorite), Italian sausage on holidays, and Budin, ensuring that no one ever went hungry.

Sita was also deeply rooted in family values and unity, principles she instilled not only in her children, but also in her grandchild, great-grandchild, and generations to come. She loved her family unconditionally, and her family stood by her side no matter what. From watching popular TV shows, talking about politics, watching soccer, or simply sharing bread and coffee (her favorite!), Sita was always surrounded by her family.

Sita was also undoubtedly a “Guerrera,” a true fighter. She was a survivor in every sense of the word. Her strength would be tested time and time again. Throughout her life, she overcame the Malta Fever as a child, the loss of her first-born child, hearing loss, breast cancer, pneumonia twice, a broken leg, two massive brain surgeries and a coma, COVID, a broken hip, sepsis twice, and most impressively, septic shock twice. Despite overcoming these immense challenges, she would say that one of her proudest accomplishments was becoming an American citizen. Sita was a force of nature,consistently defying the odds and proving her “doom and gloom” critics wrong. A lover of boxing, Sita retired undefeated — 51-0 — having won every fight life placed before her.

After fully living life, Sita entered a period of reflection during her later years. She began reading many books, focusing on life’s Temas de Reflexión as a way to continue growing as a person. Her wisdom deepened, and she began creating her own unique sayings, words that reflected a lifetime of experience, strength, and thoughtfulness. She instilled in her family the importance of always having fun. With her, there was never a dull moment!

Most importantly was Sita’s immense faith in God. Her values came from God — beliefs she instilled in her children. She firmly believed that only God decides when our time has come, not man. Even during her darkest days, she always placed her complete trust in Him. Recently, she accepted Him into her heart and during one of her most recent recoveries, she mentioned, “I think I need to get to know Him more.”

In January 2026, Jesus welcomed Sita with open arms. She would always tell her grandchild, “Que Dios te bendiga,” whenever she left the house. Now, Sita is the one receiving God’s blessing. Her life will shape generations to come.

Sita is survived by her son, Robert (“Cachito”); daughter, Rosey (“Mamita”); grandson, Dean (“Deanito”) and his wife Jessica (“Jessy”); great-grandson, Noah (“Noahita”); and Coco (“Coquito”).

Sita’s last words to her daughter were, “Why are you crying? Don’t cry, hijita. I will be okay. I will be back.”

We know, Sita. We love you. And we will be waiting for you.

Visitation will be 5:00pm to 9:00pm, Friday, February 6, 2026, at Symonds-Madison Funeral Home, 305 Park Street, Elgin, IL 60120.

Interment will be private.

Final arrangements entrusted to Symonds-Madison Funeral Home. For more information, call 847-741-1128.