Ana Rosa Giebel, 101, passed away at her Oak Brook home Aug. 24, 2022.
She was born in 1920 in Sauce, Corrientes, Argentina to Duncan and Filomena McFarlane. Raised in a cattle and sheep-rearing town, her life was transformed after marrying the love of her life, U.S. Merchant Marine Capt. George William Giebel, who preceded her in death in 2002.
Known as “China” or “Mami China,” a rough translation of the Scottish name “Sheena,” she was the eldest of 10 and the last surviving McFarlane sister. In 1967, she left Argentina, immigrating to the U.S. with four children to join her husband.
China first worked as a seamstress in Pennsylvania, and when the family relocated to Western Springs, she worked teaching adult Spanish courses at College of DuPage. She was also involved in adult education at La Grange Senior Center.
China was most recognized for her love of cooking, generosity, loyalty, sense of humor and love for family and friends. She shared her passion for cooking, gardening, preparing Thanksgiving turkey and hosting Argentinian meals like asados, homemade pastas and soups with neighbors and immigrants, especially those needing a home and someone to call “Mami.”
Her magnetic smile, conventional wisdom, “cariñitos” and affectionate head scratches will be missed. She lived life to the fullest, with patience and poise. In 2004, she suffered a stroke that left her unable to speak or move independently. Despite the challenges, she managed to make new friends, communicate, connect and radiate her love for another 17 years, traveling to weddings, graduations and neighborhood get-to-gethers in her beloved Robin Hood Ranch.
She is preceded in death by her husband, George, and all her Argentine siblings.
She is survived by her children, Douglas (Meghan) Giebel, Ana (George) Sisson, George (Betty) Giebel and Edward (Mariana) Giebel; her 14 grandchildren; her 13 great-grandchildren; and dozens of nephews and nieces in Argentina.
A service was held Aug. 29 at Christ Church of Oak Brook.
Burial was private at Bronswood Cemetery in Oak Brook.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made online to the Lissencephaly Foundation at https://www.lissfoundation.org/!.
Sullivan Funeral Home in Hinsdale handled the arrangements.
